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The Gunners have made the Hammer’s captain their number-one summer target.
Mikel Arteta’s side are not giving up on West Ham star Declan Rice despite having an initial bid of £80m plus adds-on turned down.
Arsenal are desperate to bolster their midfield and Rice have been earmarked as the perfect man to plug the gaps in the centre of the park.
After losing out on the league title to Machester City, the Gunners are looking at key additions to their squad that can help them compete with Pep Guardiola’s team, and Declan Rice is their key target.
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15:58 - 10.05.2023
Ndidi is better than Rice - Nigerians urge Arsenal to go for Super Eagles midfielder
Super Eagles defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi plays for Leicester City who are fighting for their lives in a bid to avoid relegation.
Declan Rice captained West Ham to their first-ever trophy in 43 years when they beat Fiorentina 2-1 in the Europa Conference League final.
Arsenal and West Ham yet to reach an agreement for Rice
While the Gunners offered an initial £80m and a further £10m in performance-related bonuses, it is understood that the Hammers are holding out for more.
The DailyMail reported that West Ham favour a guaranteed lump sum and also want it paid out as soon as possible.
However, Arsenal want to spread the cost of the transfer deal over longer periods than West Ham wants, which is why the initial bid was rejected.
Arsenal are now believed to be preparing a fresh bid of £100m (£90m guaranteed and another £10m in bonuses).
Arsenal in pole position to land Rice
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Meanwhile, Arsenal are not the only club interested in the English midfielder. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all watching with keen interest.
The rival clubs are waiting and would be ready to steal Declan Rice away from Arsenal should the opportunity present itself.
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10:39 - 15.06.2023
Manchester City set to battle Arsenal for Declan Rice
Arsenal appeared to be the only club left in the Declan Rice sweepstakes but Manchester City are preparing to make a last-minute bid for the West Ham midfielder.
However, reports suggest that Arsenal remain the frontrunners to land the 24-year-old combative midfielder.
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