Agbonlahor can’t believe West Ham rejecting ‘£70m’ Arsenal bid for Declan Rice
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed £70million would be a “realistic” price tag for Arsenal target Declan Rice – £30million less than West Ham’s asking price.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted it would be “really bad business” for the Irons to let the 24-year-old leave the club for free in 2024.
Sources told this site last week (27 April) that West Ham are demanding £100million for Arsenal target Rice this summer.
The England international will have 12 months left on his contract at London Stadium in June and has made no secret of his wish to play at a higher level in the coming seasons.
Rice, who has played every minute of every Premier League game this season as West Ham’s captain, currently earns a reported wage of £60,000-a-week.
Irons boss David Moyes has previously claimed that the midfielder will fetch a “British transfer record” fee when he leaves the club.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I don’t think Arsenal will pay £100million.
“£70million is more realistic for someone with a year left on their contract.
“West Ham are in a tough predicament. If they turn down that bid of £60-70million and Rice leaves on a free a year later – it’s really bad business.
“They are a club who can use that revenue after spending so poorly this season.
“£70million would be a fair price considering his situation at West Ham.”
Arsenal will play Champions League football next season for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign.
The Gunners remain in contention to win the Premier League title but are no longer favourites following a recent poor run of form.
In other news, door opens for Arsenal to sign Barcelona star.