Declan Rice ‘fake news’ claim emerges amid Arsenal vs Manchester City transfer race for West Ham United star
Claims that West Ham have been “encouraging” Arsenal to speed up the race to sign Declan Rice have been branded “fake news” by Claret & Hugh.
After the Gunners had their first two bids for the England star turned down Manchester City were expected to enter the race in an official capacity, but want assurances from Rice that it is worth their time and that he is willing to play for them.
But with City’s interest made public talkSPORT reported on Saturday (14 June) that the Hammers were pressing for a “speedy end to the saga” by “encouraging” the expected third bid from the Emirates, which has now been disputed as Arsenal-friendly “publicity”.
Claret & Hugh suggest that Rice’s preference could have changed with the City developments and claim: “Ever since then there has been some seemingly fake news put out by the publicity machine backing the Arsenal moves that the Hammers have been encouraging the Gooners to put in another bid.
“That is not true as the Hammers are simply assessing the bids and inquiries and offers as they come in and will accept the one that suits the club best.”
Play out
Obviously a quick resolution to transfer negotiations are in everyone’s interest to prevent time being wasted and to allow all sides to make subsequent plans.
But that is only the case if the right offer is made at the right time, and if Arsenal had matched the asking price already they could have done the deal.
Unless West Ham have told the Gunners they are ready to lower their demands then their message is surely the same to all-comers, and from the club’s point of view it is clearly in their interest to simply choose the best offer.
It may be that Rice tips the entire situation back towards Arsenal either way, as he is mooted to be set on choosing them whether City are involved or not, so if he doesn’t give any indication to the Etihad hierarchy that he is open to joining the treble-winners they may not even put an offer on the table.
It might be entirely accurate that the Irons captain himself wants the Arsenal move but there seems little chance that West Ham as a club would be eagerly backing that position.
As a local rival they would presumably prefer the City option, since it appears a move abroad has been ruled out, but the volume of reports does still seem to suggest that it is Mikel Arteta’s deal to lose at this stage, so stumping up the cash is the final hurdle.
In other West Ham news, a Chelsea misfit is now in the club’s sights as they turn their attentions to incoming deals.