Sources: West Ham plan revealed after Arsenal first Declan Rice bid update
West Ham will demand the full £100million fee for Declan Rice this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The 24-year-old is contracted at the London Stadium until 2024 and the deal includes a further 12 month extension so the Hammers are in no rush to let their prize asset leave in the upcoming window, unless the asking price is met.
Earlier this month (9 May), Football Insider revealed that Arsenal will have to pay a minimum fee of £100m to land the England international, which would make him a club record signing.
Irons boss David Moyes has been full of praise for the England international and has made it clear that it will require a “huge” fee to prise him from the Hammers.
But on Wednesday (17 May), sources told this site that Arsenal are expected to initially bid £85m for the midfielder, at least £15m below West Ham’s asking price.
Mikel Arteta’s side are now pushing to get a deal for the playmaker over the line but will not meet the asking price with their first bid.
It has become clear over the season that Rice will depart the struggling Hammers in the summer as he aims for Champions League football at a top club.
The midfielder also wants to stay in London as he chooses his next club, with Arsenal the only side in England’s capital that can promise him Champions League football next season.
The Hammers captain has been an important member of Moyes’ side this season, despite their struggles in the Premier League but is set to depart the club this summer.
In other news, West Ham wait for Man City decision on defender.