Arsenal on the Rice back foot

Arsenal are on the back foot regarding Declan Rice, with West Ham wanting a bidding war for their prize asset.

The Hammers will not rush into any Gooners deal, with other clubs waiting in the wings ready to get closer to their asking price.

The 24-year-old is now known to want the Emirates as his next destination. However that in itself is a long way from where the Hammers will be when considering the sale.

The club want £100 million plus for the 24 year old and anything less will not do the deal, even with possible players and extras thrown in.

It is believed that Mikel Arteta ‘s men are prepared to pay £80m plus add-ons which would take the financial package received by the London Stadium club to £90m.

But with the likes of  Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City interested, West Ham are in a strong position to make their choice – and essentially that is what matters in the end.

Arsenal still remain optimistic but this one could go on for a while as the Hammers look at other bids closer to the price they want.

Declan’s preference for a London club is understandable but were Manchester City to come in – a club which always does its business after the Champions Cup  having drawn up lists beforehand – he would be certain of winning things.

And that is his central reason for wanting a move despite having a Conference trophy winning medal in his possession.