Have Arsenal reduced their offer for Declan Rice? Ornstein reveals details of £75m+ second bid
Arsenal have made another offer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice but it appears to be worse than the first…
The Gunners’ saw their initial offer worth a reported £90m rejected by West Ham earlier this month and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now confirmed that they’ve made another £90m bid, but with less money up front.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal’s opening bid was £80m plus £10m in add-ons, while Ornstein says their latest gambit will see them pay £75m up front plus £15m in bonuses.
It would certainly be an interesting tactic given West Ham are said to be holding out for £100m and probably would have assumed the Gunners would have offered a more significant fixed fee than the inferior one now being reported.
It’s more likely that the initial bid wasn’t as big as reported and Ornstein does claim they’re ‘getting closer’ to West Ham’s valuation rather than further away.
It is though ‘anticipated that the new offer will be turned down’ by the Hammers, who may also be waiting for an official offer from Manchester City, which could soon arrive.
Pep Guardiola’s side ‘are also actively exploring an approach of their own for the 24-year-old’.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told TEAMtalk yesterday that West Ham are not flustered by interest from Arsenal with the Hammers holding most of the cards.
Bailey said: “Rice does look set to move this summer. But after club sources branded Arsenal’s open offer as ‘embarrassing’ it is not a done deal… yet!
“West Ham want to get over £100m. They have stood by this valuation since last year. Given the high level of interest in Rice that situation is not changing.
“And don’t forget that Rice, including option, has two years left on his West Ham contract. The Hammers don’t have to sell. David Sullivan, whilst allowing Rice to leave, won’t allow him to go unless he is 100% happy.”
READ MORE: Manchester United U-turn on £100m move demanded after ‘defeatist’ transfer stance
