West Ham reject £80m Arsenal bid for Declan Rice | OneFootball

West Ham United have rejected an £80 million opening bid from Arsenal for midfielder Declan Rice, according to Ex-WHUEmployee.

The Gunners have earmarked the England international as their primary target to reinforce their midfield.

They were reportedly preparing a £92 million offer, but have kicked things offer with a low-ball bid.

Arsenal will have to move quickly as West Ham are anticipating involvement from Manchester City.

The Champions League winners retain a long-term interest in the 24-year-old and could move for him if they sense hesitation from Arsenal.

Rice is keen on the move to Arsenal. He has rejected interest from Bayern Munich to stay in England.

He has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League and wants to play for a top club.

Rice would replace Granit Xhaka at Arsenal, who is leaving the club to join Bayer Leverkusen.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hopes to have a solid midfield comprising Rice, Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Sporting director Edu Gaspar is targeting another midfield option to complete the quartet, as Arteta is not banking on Mohamed Elneny.

They will revive their interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo.

Arsenal are also targeting a move for Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz. They believe £60 million will be enough to get the deal done.

Chelsea want £75m, but the Gunners believe they will accept a lower fee to get him off their wage bill.

Real Madrid also have the German international on their radar, but they are wary of his price tag.