Arsenal know that West Ham United will use Jack Grealish’s transfer to Manchester City as the benchmark in discussions about Declan Rice. He set the British record fee back in 2021.
That is according to 90min, which also adds that Chelsea breaking the British record fee on Enzo Fernandez in January may further complicate any side’s attempts to sign Rice. He left Benfica for Stamford Bridge in a £107m deal, eclipsing the £100m fee City paid Aston Villa.
West Ham are unlikely to do business for Rice for less than the Villans received as they also seek £100m. The Irons further feel that the England international’s extensive experience of Premier League football enhances his value. He has made 188 appearances at 24 years old.
Rice is also the Hammers’ captain and a 39-cap England midfielder crucial for his team and country. But the midfielder’s contract only runs until June 2024 with the option for a further year. He has also not shown any indication that he would be willing to discuss a new deal.
Instead, Rice has publicly voiced his desire to play Champions League football, which West Ham are yet to offer him. So, a move away from east London may be on the cards if a side is willing to break the bank. And Rice is not short of suitors with Arsenal keen on a transfer.
Rice is open to a transfer to Arsenal as the West Ham captain admires Arteta
Arsenal and Chelsea are the frontrunners to secure a transfer with West Ham for Rice. But Manchester City and Liverpool remain attentive to his situation at the London Stadium for a potential move. Manchester United are also long-term admirers but are not as keen now.
All teams keen on Rice’s transfer know that West Ham will also use Grealish’s switch from Aston Villa to Manchester City as the benchmark. The winger moved to the Etihad Stadium as a 25-year-old after 96 Premier League outings. He also played 89 Championship fixtures.
A club-record transfer for Rice is not out of the question for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta eyes a deal with West Ham. The Daily Mail reports the Gunners are prepared to break the bank to sign the midfielder. Rice will also push to leave the Irons this year after a relegation fight.
Arsenal appeal to Rice should he seal a transfer from West Ham due to Arteta, as well. The Guardian notes the former Chelsea prospect admires the idea of playing under the Spanish coach. Emirates Stadium chiefs also view Rice to be their top target as Arteta is a huge fan.
Arteta has even drawn up plans for how Rice would fit in at Arsenal following any transfer from West Ham. While Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that the 6 ft 2 anchor would be ‘perfect’ for how the Gunners play. He could also even ‘be there for the rest of his career’.
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