West Ham United transfer news: Declan Rice makes choice in Arsenal vs Bayern battle after £80million plus bonuses bid tabled
Delcan Rice has rejected the chance to move to Bayern Munich, leaving Arsenal in pole position to sign the West Ham captain, according to Football Transfers.
The Irons star is reported to have agreed personal terms with the Gunners already, with a fee now set to be thrashed out between the clubs.
Discussions have been held with Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern, but Rice’s father has now informed the German giants that it is the Emirates that his son wants.
An £80million-plus-bonuses bid has reportedly been tabled by Arsenal already, after David Sullivan confirmed the West Ham skipper is set to leave after lifting the Europa Conference League trophy [talkSPORT, 8 June], but there is apparently no agreement yet at club level.
Football Transfers report: “Bayern Munich have made their interest in Rice clear, but the player’s father has spoken to the Bundesliga champions and told them that his son has his heart set on playing in the Premier League.
“Initially, Rice wanted to go back to Chelsea, where he spent time in the academy, but now he feels that Arsenal is the best move for his career as Mikel Arteta’s side are better placed to win trophies and will place in the Champions League next season.”
Pole position
Bayern always looked to be fighting an uphill battle given the wide perception that Rice wants to not only stay in England but preferably London.
Chelsea looked like they were in the driving seat for months but amid a near-miss on the Premier League title this season Mikel Arteta’s side have apparently stormed ahead.
If personal terms are agreed and a big-money bid is already on the table then it appears matters are a long way down the road already.
It is not a done deal until contracts are signed though, and Arsenal were expected to sign Mykhailo Mudryk in January until the Blues stole in ahead so there is room yet for the landscape to change.
Whether Manchester City might be a late entrant remains to be seen, but the English champions have been focusing on the upcoming Champions League final and may throw themselves into the transfer market in a big way following the weekend showpiece.
Arsenal look to have a key head start, but if West Ham want £100million or players in the deal to reach that value they won’t be able to close it until they put up the desired amount.