West Ham United push Arsenal to end Declan Rice saga as transfer news emerges
West Ham United are encouraging a third bid from Arsenal to ensure a swift end to the Declan Rice saga, according to TalkSPORT
The race to sign the England international, who looks set to leave the London Stadium this summer, is heating up after Arsenal saw two bids rejected for Rice’s services, and Manchester City reportedly emerging as favourites in the race [Di Marzio, 22 June].
With the Premier League champions preparing a bid to West Ham [Sky Sports, 23 June], Arsenal have been handed an opportunity to complete the signing of their top transfer target.
According to talkSPORT sources [24 June], the Hammers are encouraging Arsenal to make a third bid for Rice to bring a speedy end to the current transfer saga.
Hammers get their wish
With the Rice transfer saga hotting up, West Ham United have certainly got their wish in entertaining a bidding war for their star man this summer.
After Arsenal appeared the clear favourites to sign him having seen two bids rejected for the midfielder, Manchester City have been handed plenty of encouragement to swoop and still a march on his signature.
However, West Ham United have now given Arsenal plenty of room for manoeuvre and if the Gunners want to ensure City don’t get their hands on Rice this summer, they would need to cave into the East Londoners’ demands.
What’s guaranteed is that the Hammers will get the best out of the deal, regardless of whether Rice joins City or Arsenal and the Irons are absolutely right to want to bring a swift end to the saga, given that they have a huge task ahead in replacing Rice as well as securing moves for their own top targets before preseason.
Whatever happens, West Ham United simply cannot afford to waste time entertaining a long-running auction for their star man. They’ve got themselves to think about too.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are already preparing to cash in on the Declan Rice money as they hold a transfer meeting in London as they’re confident of sealing a £50million signing.