West Ham are ready to say 'yes' to Arsenal's £100million offer for Declan Rice. Reports this week have stated that the Gunners are stepping up their efforts to sign the Hammers' captain as they prepare to submit their first bid for the 24-year-old midfielder.
football.london reported in January that Mikel Arteta was prioritising a move for Rice this summer as he looks to reinforce his midfield options ahead of next season. The England international lifted the Europa Conference League trophy in his last appearance for the Hammers after chairman David Sullivan confirmed the midfielder will be sold.
Speaking on talkSPORT earlier this month, Sullivan said: "I think it has to be [Rice's final game for West Ham]. We promised him he could go.
"He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season.
"In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements. It’s not something we want to happen.
"We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
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"It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages) and he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there."
A report from the Guardian stated that the Gunners are closing in on an agreement with West Ham to sign Rice and are expected to complete a deal that will cost upwards of £100million, should add-ons included in the transfer be met. Now, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed that West Ham are ready to accept Arsenal's offer.
Plettenberg tweeted on Tuesday morning: "Arsenal is preparing a final bid of more than €100m plus bonus payments. West Ham is willing to say YES.
"Bayern is aware of Arsenal‘s new offer. Transfer very unlikely as reported but no final decision yet."
It is looking increasingly likely that Rice will complete a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer despite rival interest from Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea. The 24-year-old is currently away on international duty with England ahead of their UEFA Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
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