West Ham United: Manchester City are actively in Declan Rice hunt as Arsenal table bid
Arsenal have made an opening offer for West Ham United captain Declan Rice, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
It’s believed talks took place between Arsenal executive Tim Lewis and Karren Brady at the Premier League AGM in Hampshire on Wednesday (The Athletic, 15 June).
Manchester City are also thought to be “actively pursuing” a move for the 24-year-old England international.
Heating up
This is exactly what the Hammers need.
If Manchester City come to the fray – a bidding war could well ensue.
We all know David Sullivan wants over £100million for the 24-year-old and that’s probably a fair reflection of his talents. Also, it’s important to remember Rice’s value to West Ham.
He transforms David Moyes’ side when he plays. For the board, he will be impossible to replace. A significant sum of money will arrive and it’s up to the Hammers chiefs to smartly reinvest.
With Tim Steidten potentially coming through the door as sporting director, innovative and intuitive recruitment could well be on the horizon.
We’ve seen the likes of Brighton and Brentford succeed and if £100million plus arrives, West Ham could completely reinvent the way they operate in the transfer market.
The best news possible would be for Manchester City to table a bid. If two of the Premier League’s best eye the 24-year-old, there’s every chance of Sullivan landing the elusive price tag he so dearly craves.