Declan Rice: Arsenal swims in big with the Sharks

In their relentless pursuit of strengthening their midfield options, Arsenal has reportedly submitted a third bid for West Ham United’s Declan Rice on Tuesday evening.

The Gunners’ latest offer, as disclosed by The Athletic, amounts to a staggering £100 million upfront, with an additional £5 million in potential add-ons. Should West Ham accept this proposal, it will mark a new British record fee for a player transfer.

This substantial bid comes after Arsenal’s initial attempts to secure Rice’s services were turned down by West Ham. The Gunners’ second bid consisted of £75 million upfront, coupled with £15 million in add-ons. However, the Hammers remained firm and rejected the offer. Prior to that, Arsenal had made an initial bid of £80 million upfront, with an additional £10 million in potential add-ons, which also failed to sway West Ham’s resolve.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been adamant about reinforcing his midfield ahead of the forthcoming season, especially with the potential departures of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey from the Emirates this summer. The Gunners view Rice as a crucial addition to their squad, bringing much-needed stability, defensive prowess, and versatility in the middle of the park.

The 22-year-old England international has emerged as one of the Premier League’s brightest talents in recent years, excelling for West Ham and showcasing his abilities on the international stage. Rice’s commanding presence, exceptional ball-winning skills, and composure on the ball have caught the attention of several top clubs, including Arsenal.

The Gunners’ determination to secure Rice’s signature highlights their ambitious plans to regain their status as a leading force in English football. The club’s hierarchy recognizes the significance of assembling a formidable midfield unit capable of dictating play and providing a solid foundation for Arteta’s tactical approach.

While negotiations between Arsenal and West Ham continue, the final decision rests in the hands of the Hammers’ management. The East London club faces a difficult choice: either accept Arsenal’s unprecedented bid for Rice or hold firm in their resolve to retain their prized asset, who is widely regarded as the linchpin of their midfield.

As the transfer saga unfolds, Arsenal fans eagerly await news of West Ham’s response. Should the Gunners succeed in securing Declan Rice’s signature, it would undoubtedly represent a major coup and a significant statement of intent from Mikel Arteta’s side as they aim to reclaim their position among England’s elite clubs.