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Sources: Big update tonight on Arsenal's first Declan Rice bid
Arsenal are set to bid £85million for West Ham star Declan Rice, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gunners are now pushing to get a deal for Rice over the line but their opening bid will be below the £100m mark.
The 24-year-old is preparing to depart the struggling West Ham side this summer and is set to be the subject of massive interest in the upcoming transfer window.
On 9 May, Football Insider revealed that the Gunners will have to pay a minimum fee of £100m to land the England international, which would make him a club record signing.
West Ham boss David Moyes has made it clear that a huge fee will be required to take him away from the London Stadium.
But, this site has learned that Arsenal’s first offer is set to be at least £15m lower than the Hammers’ asking price.
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Mikel Arteta’s side are believed to be in pole position to land the midfielder who is keen to stay in London and play Champions League football, with the Gunners the only club in the capital who can provide that.
Rice has made 46 appearances across all competitions as his side struggle at the bottom end of the table.
The Irons are currently 15th in the Premier League with 37 points from 36 games this season and only one win in their last four.
Moyes’ side are six points clear of the relegation zone with just two games left to play against fellow strugglers Leeds United and Leicester City.
West Ham are also looking to secure a place in the Europa Conference League final when they take on AZ Alkmaar tomorrow night (18 May).
In other news, Arsenal swoop for Crystal Palace striker as talks collapse.