Arsenal have made another offer for West Ham midfielderDeclan Ricebut it appears to be worse than the first…
The Gunners’ saw their initial offer worth a ɾєρօɾτed £90m rєjєƈτed by West Ham earlier this month andThe Athletic’sDavid Ornstein has now confirmed that they’ve made another £90m bid, but with less money up front.
ɾєρօɾτs have claimed thatArsenal’s opening bidwas £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 ɾєρօɾτed.
It’s more likely that the initial bid wasn’t as big as ɾєρօɾτed 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 expertGraeme Bailey told TEAMtalk yesterdaythat West Ham are not flustered by interest fromArsenalwith the Hammers holding most of the cards.
Bailey said: “Rice does look set to move this summer. But after club sourcesbranded Arsenal’s open offer as ‘embarrassing’ it is not a done Ԁєɑł… 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 Hammersdon’t have to sell. David Sullivan, whilst allowing Rice to leave, won’t allow him to go unless he is 100% happy.”
