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Topics: Arsenal, Declan Rice, West Ham United, Premier League, Transfers
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Declan Rice, West Ham United, Premier League, Transfers
Arsenal are facing fresh uncertainty in their move for Declan Rice, with West Ham reportedly changing their demands for the player.
The Gunners tabled a fresh £90 million bid for Rice on Tuesday morning, having seen a bid in the region of £80 million, including add-ons, turned down last week.
But their second offer was also rejected by the Hammers, who are said to be standing firm on the £100 million price tag they have placed on the head of their star player.
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Rice is a key target for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard keen to bolster his midfield ahead of another Premier League title charge.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Gunners are 'advancing in talks' to sign Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia, who is valued at £50 million - although this move is not affected by the Rice pursuit.
The West Ham captain lifted the Europa Conference League trophy earlier this month - his first trophy at senior level.
After the match, Hammers chairman David Sullivan all but confirmed on talkSPORT that Rice would depart the London Stadium this summer.
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However, one key area relating to the final is proving to be a challenge for Arsenal in negotiations, it has been reported.
Arsenal face Rice transfer uncertainty
According to The Guardian, the Gunners were told, prior to the Europa Conference League final, that Rice was worth £80 million - which likely explains the size of their first bid that was turned down.
However, West Ham went on to win the final, defeating Fiorentina 2-1. As a result, they secured qualification for next season's Europa League.
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The report claims that it is precisely that triumph that has caused a delay to negotiations over Rice, with the Hammers now requesting a fee of around £100 million to sell the midfielder.
Whether Arsenal are willing to stretch to that fee remains unclear, but they are said to remain 'confident' of securing the England international's signature.
The completion of a deal for the 24-year-old would represent one of the moves of the summer by Arteta's side - but it is going to cost a significant amount in order to do so.