Manchester City have withdrawn from the race to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice after Arsenal submitted a British-record bid of £105 million for the midfielder. Arsenal’s offer consists of a guaranteed £100 million with performance-related add-ons taking the deal to £105 million. The Gunners are confident they will see off competition from Manchester City and finally land the West Ham captain.
West Ham had previously rejected Manchester City’s £90 million bid, which included £80 million upfront and £10 million in add-ons. Arsenal had also seen two of their previous offers rejected, the first worth £75 million with an additional £15 million in add-ons, and the second worth £90 million, including £75 million upfront and £15 million in add-ons.
West Ham’s valuation of Rice remains at £120 million, but it is understood that the club would accept £100 million plus a player. Rice, who has played 245 games for West Ham, has made it clear that Arsenal is his preferred destination.
The 24-year-old midfielder took over the captaincy after Mark Noble’s retirement last year and played 50 games in all competitions last season, helping West Ham finish 14th in the Premier League and win the Europa Conference League in Prague.
Arsenal’s bid for Rice comes as a major boost to manager Mikel Arteta as he looks to secure his number one target. With Manchester City pulling out of the race, Arsenal now have a clear run at the England international.
