West Ham United expect Manchester City bid this week after £90m Arsenal offer rejection – Fabrizio Romano
West Ham are unmoved by Arsenal’s improved bid for Declan Rice because the add-ons included are “difficult” to achieve, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners have tabled a new bid totalling £90million, a club-record at the Emirates, but with £15million of that number in bonuses that may not be triggered the second offer is again not enough.
However, following the Irons’ response interest from Manchester City is expected to become concrete in the coming days as the race to sign the 24-year-old continues.
Reporting via Twitter on Tuesday afternoon (20 June) Romano wrote: “West Ham are expected to reject 2nd proposal from Arsenal for Declan Rice — £90m total fee, £75m + £15m add ons.
“West Ham believe £15m add-ons are also difficult to achieve.
“Hammers still expect Man City to enter the race this week.
“Arsenal remain confident.”
David Ornstein of The Athletic has now reported that the new bid was indeed rejected.
Auction
With Arsenal apparently gearing up to negotiate hard on this move it will likely take the arrival on City on the scene to get things moving in a way that suits West Ham.
The Gunners hold the advantage as a London club, especially as personal terms have reportedly already been agreed [Football Transfers, 2 June].
But there is obviously going to be some attraction to joining the treble-winners if Rice sees himself being a key player for Pep Guardiola.
The England star has frequently spoken about wanting to play in the biggest games and, whatever the noise around how they have got there, City can certainly point to their recent history as evidence that they can provide those opportunities.
With West Ham having remained pretty constant for months over their desired fee they may grow impatient if they feel Arsenal are ignoring that and attempting to lowball them.
The Gunners were never going to send a £120million bid across London immediately as the Europa Conference League final ended, but multiple bids with little chance of success could grate at the London Stadium.