West Ham United transfer news: Arsenal now ‘very confident’ of completing Declan Rice transfer
Arsenal are now “very confident” of signing West Ham United captain Declan Rice this summer, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sun reported on 14 June that the Gunners are in advanced talks to sign the 24-year-old, with their first bid of £80million plus bonuses rebuffed by the Hammers.
Mikel Arteta’s side are expected to return with an improved offer for the England international, with Manchester City also sniffing around for his services. [Sky Sports, 15 June]
Taking to Twitter on Saturday (17 June), the Sky Sports Germany reporter wrote: “News on Havertz: Been told Arsenal are very confident of signing both: Rice and Havertz.
“Arsenal are in advanced stages with both players.”
Progressing
It is only a matter of time until Rice seals his exit from the London Stadium, and Arsenal seems to be the most likely destination of travel as things stand.
Although Manchester City remain interested in signing the 24-year-old, it feels like they have entered the race a little too late to seal this showpiece transfer.
The Gunners have already settled personal terms and lodged their first bid of £80million, which was ultimately rejected, whereas Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t put an offer on the table as of yet.
The quicker this transfer sage is completed, the better, from a West Ham perspective.
Once West Ham United receive the money for Rice, it should allow David Moyes to enter the transfer market and go shopping for subsequent replacements.
If this deal drags on, the Hammers boss might struggle to purchase Rice’s replacements in the latter stages of the transfer window and could be held to ransom by clubs who know the war chest that the club will possess.