Declan Rice to Arsenal personal terms update emerges as West Ham United exit edges closer
Arsenal are confident that they are in the driving seat to land Declan Rice as his West Ham United exit edges closer, as featured in the Sunday Mirror [Page 55, 07 May].
The Hammers are pushing for a £100 million price tag on their star man, with a summer sale expected.
Rice has refused to sign a new long-term deal at the London Stadium, with an eye-watering £240,000 per week salary said to be on the line at the Emirates Stadium.
A switch to north London would appear to be a low-risk move all round, despite the anticipated significant transfer fee that will be required to secure the services of the England international.
“Arsenal believe they hold the edge in the £100m summer race for Declan Rice,” stated the report.
“The 24-year old West Ham skipper has refused to sign a new bumper long-term deal at the London Stadium.
“That stalemate means the Irons have little choice but to cash-in sooner rather than later – or risk him leaving for a lot less than their £100m valuation, as his contract ends in June 2025.”
“He earns a basic £60,000 a week at West Ham – and that will likely quadruple if he moves [to Arsenal].”
Man in demand
This will be one of the key transfer stories of the summer.
Rice’s stock is currently at a very high level given the consistency of his performances in a West Ham shirt, as well as for England on the international stage.
He is going to leave the club in the coming months, but not before a potentially successful end to the season for David Moyes’ side. They can secure Premier League survival with just three or four more points, ahead of a real shot at glory in the Europa Conference League.
Rice will want to be the Hammers captain to lift a European trophy, then he can leave with his legacy further enhanced.
Arsenal will face competition for his signature as he is too good a player to not be wanted by other top clubs. The Gunners may come in early to get a deal done, but that could attract a bidding war.
A very interesting situation lies ahead.