Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, David Ornstein has been discussing Declan Rice’s future amid ongoing links to Arsenal.
According to The Times, Rice is the Gunners’ top transfer target heading into the summer, and a move could be made.
Interestingly, Ornstein has heard that Rice could be on the market this summer, and that he may well be available for between £75m and £85m – a contrast to the £100m asking price that was slapped on him in previous windows.
Rice available
Ornstein shared what he knows about this situation.
“I’m not sure if it’s because of the competitors for slots at the biggest clubs. It’s more the contractual situation. It’s their last chance to get a massive transfer fee for him. I think compared to last year when West Ham had no intention or need to sell, and the valuation was in excess of £100m. The word I’m hearing from within the industry is that £75/80/85m is a more realistic figure for Declan Rice this coming summer,” Ornstain said.
Arsenal have the money
The Gunners may well have that sort of money to make a deal happen.
Indeed, the north London club were bidding £70m for Moises Caicedo in January, and after that deal never came to fruition, the Gunners should still have plenty of cash to play with in the bank.
Of course, it’s up to Arsenal whether or not they believe that Rice is worth that sort of cash, but if they do see value in this purchase, it shouldn’t be too difficult for them to make this move happen.
Rice’s value has dropped over the past 12 months, and Arsenal may be in prime position to take advantage of that situation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
