Arsenal make opening offer for Declan Rice, Manchester City exploring approach

Arsenal have had an opening offer rejected for West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

This first move follows talks between Arsenal executive Tim Lewis and West Ham counterpart Karren Brady at the Premier League AGM in Hampshire on Wednesday, although sporting director Edu and director of football operations Richard Garlick are leading the process.

Premier League champions Manchester City are also actively exploring an approach of their own for the 24-year-old.

The Athletic reported in May that Rice was Arsenal’s main target this summer, with the club prioritising midfield reinforcements.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan said after the club’s Europa Conference League triumph that he expected Rice to have played his last game for the club, adding that the captain “wanted to go”.

Rice’s contract at West Ham expires in 2024, with an option for a one-year extension.

But The Athletic reported in December that the England international had rejected three contract offers from the east London club due to his desire to compete regularly for top trophies.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also previously held interest in the player.

Speaking in February, Moyes claimed it would likely take a British transfer record fee to prise Rice away from West Ham if and when he did leave the east London club. Chelsea broke that record in January when they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £106.7million ($133.6m).

Rice has made 245 appearances for West Ham since making his debut in 2017.

After helping the club end a 43-year trophy drought by beating Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final, Rice said when asked about his future: “I am the captain of this club. I absolutely love it to pieces and I cannot speak highly enough of this place. Let’s see what happens.”

Analysis by JJ Bull

Rice is one of the best players in Europe at breaking up opposition attacks. He can win the ball back, but then he carries it up the pitch, turning defensive play into an attacking one.

His reading of the game is top level — it seems innate — that’s what he does really well: anticipation, timing, decision-making.

West Ham often play a 4-2-3-1 and Rice is one of their two midfielders, often alongside Tomas Soucek. He is the one who forms a defensive triangle to build up from the back and is always available to receive the pass.

But breaking up play is where his real strength lies, by patrolling the midfield so no counter-attacks can break through.

(Photo: Getty Images)