West Ham United blast ’embarrassing’ Arsenal in Declan Rice transfer update
Arsenal’s first bid for Declan Rice has been slammed as “embarrassing” by sources at West Ham, according to TEAMtalk.
The Gunners reportedly offered £80million with a further £10million in add-ons for the England star, which was rejected “immediately” [Kieran Gill, 15 June], and have yet to table their second offer.
But with a team option essentially giving West Ham two years on Rice’s Hammers contract David Sullivan will not sanction the sale he has agreed to give the 24-year-old unless a buyer puts up the right money.
Graeme Bailey reported for TEAMtalk: “Rice does look set to move this summer. But after club sources branded Arsenal’s open offer as ‘embarrassing’ it is not a done deal… yet!
“West Ham want to get over £100m. They have stood by this valuation since last year. Given the high level of interest in Rice that situation is not changing.
“And don’t forget that Rice, including option, has two years left on his West Ham contract. The Hammers don’t have to sell. David Sullivan, whilst allowing Rice to leave, won’t allow him to go unless he is 100% happy.”
Heated
For most players £90million total wouldn’t sound like too bad an offer, but the Irons have hardly been shy about making their demands clear on Rice.
His exit has been mooted for at least two years, throughout which David Moyes and the club hierarchy have talked up a deal that breaks the £100million barrier and even sets a new British record.
Sky Sports reported on 10 May that £120million is the number in mind, so less than three quarters up front from the Emirates would appear somewhat derisory.
The negotiating process rarely starts at the same point that it ends, but with other clubs lurking with interest and huge numbers being spent on midfielders this summer the landscape looks pretty positive for West Ham getting what they want.
The arrival of Saudi money on the scene has boosted the market even further and it would be a surprise if the Hammers don’t at least land nine figures, and quite possibly break the mark of Enzo Fernandez’s £106.8million January move to Chelsea [Sky Sports, 1 February].
Arsenal remain favourites by all accounts to sign Rice this summer, but if they want him that badly they will need to cough up.
And if the latest update suggests West Ham were very unimpressed by the initial bid it won’t help Mikel Arteta’s cause if the race tightens through the summer.