By Jonty Banks

25th May, 2023 | 4:10pm

West Ham United transfer news as Declan Rice bidding war sparked, Arsenal £10million short of valuation

West Ham United have managed to spark a bidding war for the signature of Declan Rice this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all emerged as strong potential suitors for Rice this summer [Daily Mail, 11 May], but interest from Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United is set to start a bidding war.

Sky Sports Germany reported on Wednesday [24 May, 16:14pm] that Arsenal have submitted an opening offer of £69.9million for the Hammers captain.

The report added: “However, well-placed sources have indicated that Arsenal’s initial valuation of Rice falls more than £10million short of West Ham’s price.”

Let the bidding commence.

West Ham United seemingly remain insistent that they will accept no less than £100million for the 24-year-old’s services, and it is hard to see why they should lower this valuation.

Although Rice is entering the last year of his contract at the London Stadium and looks nailed-on to leave this summer, the number of club’s interest in his signature should keep driving his price up as the window progresses.

All the Premier League big boys are likely to throw their hat in the ring over the coming months, and it would be foolish of West Ham to accept the first offer that comes their way.

If Arsenal think they are signing the England international for £69.9million, then they are possibly in need of some harsh truths.

In reality, a bit of anywhere close to £90million should be enough for the Hammers to part company with their star player.

Which clubs are willing to dig deep into their pockets for this acquisition is another matter.