Sources: Arsenal in pole position to complete Declan Rice signing – £83m offer revealed
Arsenal are now in pole position to sign Declan Rice amid Chelsea’s financial struggles, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gunners are growing increasingly confident in their chances of signing the 24-year-old midfielder this summer.
Chelsea had been considered long-term favourites to sign Rice, but the Blues are tied down by financial limitations after spending big under new owner Todd Boehly.
Newcastle were Arsenal’s other competitor to sign Rice this summer, but the Tyneside club have also halted their pursuit.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (21 April) that Newcastle have pulled the plug on signing Rice because of West Ham’s £80-100m price tag.
With Chelsea and Newcastle both not willing to meet West Ham’s valuation, Arsenal have leapfrogged their rivals to become strong favourites to sign the England international.
It is understood that Rice would prefer to stay in London, and Arsenal are now the only team in the capital still pushing hard to sign him.
Rice has publicly expressed his desire to play in the Champions League, and Arsenal are on track to qualify for the European competition after a strong showing in the Premier League this season.
The West Ham captain has reportedly turned down multiple contracts at the London Stadium, with Sky Sports reporting that he rejected an eight-year deal worth £83million.
The Hammers are open to selling him this summer amid fears that he could run down his contract and leave for a slashed price or even for free.
In other news, Arsenal are finalising business move five years in the making