LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Arsenal has made a club-record £90 million offer for Declan Rice as they make headway in the transfer negotiations for Romeo Lavia.
West Ham turned down the Gunners’ initial offer of £80 million for Rice because they believe the midfielder is worth more than £100 million to the Hammers.
The Athletic reports that as Mikel Arteta works to land his top summer goal, Arsenal has since returned with an improved offer.
The second offer from the Gunners totals £90 million with add-ons, which West Ham is also likely to reject.
Rice is insistent on moving to the Emirates Stadium by the end of this month, giving Arsenal leverage over competing bidders as they approach closer to an acceptable price.
According to Fabrizio Romano, there may be further new midfielders joining Arteta’s squad in the near future. The Gunners are also reportedly making headway in their pursuit of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
They have yet to make a formal offer, though, as the Saints are expected to want a club-record fee of almost £50 million ($64m) for the midfielder.
Although Manchester United is also interested in Lavia, they look to be more focused in acquiring Mason Mount from Chelsea.
As Mauricio Pochetiino looks to rebuild his team during the summer transfer season, the Blues are also closely monitoring the happenings.
Rice will be leaving West Ham this summer, but they have made it clear that he won’t be leaving for a bargain price, and the bidder will need to meet their criteria.
Bayern Munich withdrew their name from consideration in favor of Manchester City, who are also apparently interested in the English star.