Declan Rice
West Ham United has rejected an opening offer totaling £90 million from Arsenal for Declan Rice, sources have told ESPN.
The newly crowned Europa Conference League winners will reluctantly allow Rice to leave this summer after he turned down a new deal but value him in excess of £100m.
Arsenal lead the race for his signature but their opening offer falls short of that valuation. Sources have told ESPN that the bid comprised an initial £80m plus a further £10m in add-ons.
Bayern Munich held an interest in Rice but has so far decided not to pursue a deal. However, West Ham expects Manchester City to enter the running with a formal bid.
Sources added that Arsenal is expected to return with an improved offer for the midfielder.
City are assessing their options and sources suggest that West Ham would be interested in a player-plus-cash deal which would see Kalvin Phillips move to east London, but no such proposal has yet been made.
Arsenal has identified Rice as their top midfield target and is keen on securing a deal swiftly so the 24-year-old can join their preseason tour to the United States.
Speaking after West Ham’s Europa Conference final victory over Fiorentina last week, club Chairman David Sullivan said Rice is set to leave this summer, with the player having two years remaining on his existing contract.