West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice’s agent in talks with multiple clubs amid Arsenal transfer interest
West Ham have reportedly not received any bids or enquiries for Arsenal target Declan Rice despite expecting him to leave in the summer.
According to Claret and Hugh [6 March], despite reports of a deal being done with the Gunners, nothing concrete has happened thus far.
In fact, the midfielder’s agents are understood to be in talks with multiple clubs so it does not appear that the 24-year-old has decided on a move to the London Stadium.
A source told C&H, “Time will tell and if anything is going to happen that will be in the summer. But there has been nothing so far at any time although we believe his agent is busy talking to clubs.”
Drive up his price
Rice is one of the hottest transfer targets this summer and there will be a number of top clubs keen on securing his services.
At this point, Arsenal seem like the obvious bet because they’re in London and will offer him Champions League football next season.
It also looks like the club will back Mikel Arteta with the big bucks so they can surely afford the player’s valuation and wages.
However, Chelsea have been notorious and will do everything they can to hijack this deal even without Champions League to tempt him.
They can even offer West Ham more money at a point where Rice may have to intervene and have negotiations of his own with the hierarchy.
The Hammers look like they’re prepared to deal with his absence as they’ve already earmarked his replacement and could make a move for him sooner rather than later.