Exclusive: Declan Rice to Arsenal has one hurdle left to clear as Bayern Munich pull out of race for West Ham star
Arsenal are to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice for £105m
Arsenal are seemingly on the brink of finalising an agreement to sign Declan Rice – with Bayern Munich withdrawing their interest and sources informing TEAMtalk of the final obstacle remaining for the Gunners to clear.
Mikel Arteta has honed in on the signing of the all-action West Ham midfielder to take his side to the next level. After narrowly falling short in their title quest, Rice is seen as the man who can help ensure they can challenge again next time around.
Demand for the 24-year-old midfielder has been high for a number of years. His magnificant performances in the heart of the Irons midfield have made Rice a major star for club and country.
But with two years remaining on his Hammers deal, Rice has made it clear he wants to take his career to the next level.
The chase for his signature has been led for several months now by Arsenal. Given the Gunners can offer Champions League football as well as the chance to stay close to his London roots, they have nudged clear of all the competition.
In the last few weeks, though, interest has grown in Rice from Bayern Munich with Thomas Tuchel a huge admirer. And amid speculation a bid was imminent from Bayern, there were fears he could be persuaded to move to Bavaria instead.
However, we understand Arteta has never waivered in his belief that Rice wants to only join Arsenal.
And now German transfer guru Florian Plettenberg admits Bayern have decided against making a firm approach.
Writing on Twitter, Plettenberg said: “News #Rice: NO transfer! Bayern has decided today not to submit an offer after all – confirmed.
“It was the clear trend for days and as reported on Friday, because Rice became more and more expensive. He’s on verge to join @Arsenal now! First call BILD. @SkySportDE.”
READ MORE ~ Arsenal transfers: Next three signings after Rice named as Kroenke greenlights £250m spree
Declan Rice to Arsenal: David Sullivan remains last obstacle to overcome
With a move to Arsenal closing in, TEAMtalk can reveal that the two clubs are, contrary to reports, yet to agree a fee.
West Ham still hope to achieve £100m, plus add-ons, for the 41-times capped England star.
The Gunners, though, would rather pay nearer the £90m. And with chairman David Sullivan standing firm, the Gunners will need some crafty negotiation tactics to settle on a fee.
However, Arsenal firmly believe they have won the race for his signature. And we can reveal that sources close to Arsenal have a ‘confidence’ the deal can be done. Indeed, they know the player’s preference is to play for Arteta.
The whole scenario now depends entirely on West Ham and Sullivan, especially knowing others, including Chelsea, would likely go beyond £100m.
Indeed, the Mykhaylo Mudryk situation will still remain fresh in Arsenal’s minds. The Ukrainian was desperate to move to Arsenal, before ultimately signing for the Blues in a major transfer hijack. And Arsenal will need to be cautious of the fact that if you don’t pay you don’t get.
Sullivan, though, admits keeping Rice beyond this season is now impossible.
Speaking last week on talkSPORT, he said: “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. It’s cost him £10m 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.”
