Declan Rice's transfer admission to friends revealed as Arsenal prepare huge bid for West Ham star

West Ham star Declan Rice has told friends that he is moving clubs this summer, according to a new report, with Arsenal said to be ready to launch a club-record bid.

The Gunners have assigned Rice as their top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to strengthen to his midfield.

Granit Xhaka has been linked with a move to Bayer Leverkusen, although Swiss outlet 4-4-2 claim that Bayern Munich are preparing to hijack their move for the 30-year-old Arsenal midfielder.

Bayern also possess interest in Rice, with Sky Germany reporting earlier this week that Thomas Tuchel's side had held positive talks with the 24-year-old and his representatives.

But the Hammers captain has publicly stated that his full focus is on the Europa Conference League final, with West Ham taking on Fiorentina in Prague on June 7.

Now, a new report has given an update on how the transfer saga could progress after that game finishes.

Rice 'transfer message revealed'

According to Football Insider, via sources, Rice has told friends that he has now played his final league game for West Ham.

If an expected move away from the London Stadium is finalised this summer, the midfielder will have played 204 games in the Premier League for the Hammers. A nine-year association with the club would also come to an end.

That report was followed by a claim from the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel that Arsenal will launch a bid for Rice after the Europa Conference League final.

It is added that their opening bid would be worth £90 million - smashing the club-record fee set when Nicolas Pepe moved to the Emirates Stadium from Lille in 2019.

But Football Insider claim the Hammers will hold out for £100 million, which would be their own club-record sale. David Moyes' side have been linked with a summer move for former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi if Rice does leave the club.

Topics: Declan Rice, West Ham United, Arsenal, Premier League, Transfers, Europa Conference League

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.