West Ham United overplay their hand as Declan Rice transfer to Arsenal now ‘increasingly possible’
Arsenal are set to benefit in their bid to sign Declan Rice due to a lack of serious interest from other clubs according to Daily Mail columnist Ian Ladyman.
It has been said that West Ham envisaged a £150million fee from a bidding war for the midfielder but the prospects of that have been played down.
A switch to North London is thought to be the most likely destination for the Hammers skipper.
The Daily Mail column by Ladyman (page 75, 14 April) intimated that executives at the London Stadium will need to reconsider their expectations for the 41 cap England international.
“A deal for Declan Rice to Arsenal looks increasingly possible this summer and that would suit the England international,” wrote Ladyman.
He added: “West Ham were talking about a £150million fee a year ago but that would required an auction and it does not look as though there is going to be one.
“So Arsenal might be able to get the deal they want and West Ham’s value may have to be readjusted.
“With hindsight, it feels as though the selling club might have overplayed their hand on this one.”
A lot could still change
There has been plenty said already about the future of Declan Rice with the expectation that he will no longer be a Hammers player from the start of next season.
It is no surprise that the club has tried to set the narrative with talk of an excessive fee around the £150 million mark but privately, they will know sort of figure is more realistic and in line with a genuine interest in the player.
The end of the season in the Premier League as well as the Europa Conference League will have a bearing on any deal for the 24-year-old if he plays a starring role in the remaining games or even if the Irons were to land a European trophy.
There could yet be late, unexpected inquiries for a player of real quality, beyond the overtures from Arsenal as much as Mikel Arteta is expected to be a front-runner.
As a significant asset for the team and club, Rice would be a difficult act to replace meaning the market value has to be maximised.