Fabrizio Romano shares ‘crucial’ Declan Rice exit update at West Ham United on Sunday morning
Arsenal will enter the “crucial” stages of a transfer for West Ham United captain Declan Rice next week, according to Fabrizio Romano.
After winning the Europa Conference League, David Sullivan recently confirmed to talkSPORT (8 June) that the club were expecting offers for the midfielder this summer, and they would not stand in his way if their valuation was met.
The Gunners, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all been tipped with holding an interest in the England international, who runs out of contract at the London Stadium next summer. [Daily Mail, 8 June]
Taking to Twitter on Sunday morning (11 June), Guardian journalist and transfer insider Romano provided an update on a potential deal between Arsenal and Rice.
“Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of Declan Rice deal next week,” he wrote.
“Official bid expected very soon after positive talks in the recent days.
“Gunners feel they’re ahead of Bayern as player priority is to continue in England – but timing will be crucial for Arsenal.”
Getting closer
The Europa Conference League trophy parade felt like a fitting way for Rice to end his West Ham United career, with several big-name clubs now vying for his services moving forward.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea would make the most sense, considering he is currently based in London, and a move to either club would still keep him playing Premier League football moving forward.
However, the question with the Gunners has always been: Can they pluck up the kind of money the Hammers are demanding for their captain?
West Ham have said time and again that an offer of £100million or more will be needed to even consider selling the 24-year-old, and whether Arsenal would consider spending this is still debatable.
The next week now looks like the key period in negotiations between the two clubs. Personal terms shouldn’t be an issue for Rice, just the number that the Hammers will receive.
This move is hotting up, and it seems like Arsenal want to get it over the line sharpish.