Arsenal reluctant to meet West Ham’s £100m Declan Rice valuation

According to reports, Arsenal is currently leading the race to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice but has not yet matched the Hammers’ asking price for their captain.

West Ham is expecting several offers for Rice, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich also showing interest now that their Europa Conference League campaign has been successfully wrapped up.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed the club’s intention to part ways with Rice this summer, as the 24-year-old is ready for a new challenge. The club has set an asking price of £100m, believing that a bidding war could drive the fee even higher.

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However, Arsenal values Rice closer to £90m and is hesitant to meet the full asking price. They are looking to negotiate a deal starting at £80m with additional add-ons. This valuation difference has provided an opportunity for other interested clubs to enter negotiations.

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Despite the lack of a deal meeting their demands, West Ham has already made preparations for Rice’s potential departure. They have compiled a shortlist of targets, including Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips, and Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.

Meanwhile, sources suggest that Arsenal remains confident in securing Rice’s signature.

The club believes that Arsenal is his preferred destination, giving them an advantage in any potential transfer battle. It remains to be seen how the negotiations unfold and whether Arsenal or any other club can meet West Ham’s asking price for Declan Rice.