Arsenal will not meet West Ham`s asking price for Declan Rice

Premier League side Arsenal will not meet West Ham’s asking price for Declan Rice with their first offer, according to reports.

The Gunners are in the market for a new midfielder in the summer with Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu making Rice their primary objective.

Declan, who has had a stellar season for West Ham, has emerged at the top of their list ahead of the summer with previous reports indicating the England international would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Transfer pundit Fabrizio Romano claimed earlier this week that Arsenal will make an official bid next week as the Gunners look to make their move early.

Tthe ‘West Ham plan’ is to ‘demand the full £100million fee’ despite Rice’s contract running out in June 2024, although they do have the option to extend it further .

Rice has made it clear that he wants to play Champions League football in the near future and the 24-year-old ‘wants to stay in London with Arsenal the only side in England’s capital that can promise him Champions League football next season.