Arsenal believes it has the upper hand in the £100 million summer chase for Declan Rice.
The West Ham captain, 24, has consistently declined to sign a new lucrative long-term contract at the London Stadium.
Because of the impasse, the Hammers will be forced to sell Rice sooner rather than later, or risk him leaving for far less than their £100 million estimate when his current deal expires in June 2025.
Certainly, during the recent international break, England’s star made it plain that he wants to go to a bigger club, disclosing ambitions to win trophies and participate in the Champions League on a regular basis.
Arsenal, who are second in the league and have already secured their first season in Europe’s top in five years, have put themselves in prime position to sign him. Others interested in Rice, like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City, will be disappointed.
Personal terms with the Irons’ indigenous leader are not thought to be a problem for the North Londoners, who are willing to make him one of their highest paid stars.
