West Ham reject Arsenal's second, £90m bid for Rice

Arsenal know they need good reinforcements to face the Champions League. The club is likely to see the departure of bulldog Granit Xhaka this summer, and will reportedly hear offers for their second starting midfielder, Thomas Partey, which means they are going to have to spend big on replacements.

After having their initial offer of £80 million rejected for West Ham skipper Declan Rice, the Gunners returned this week with a second bid, this time offering a package worth £90 million - £75 million guaranteed and £15 million in add-ons.

'The Guardian' reports that the Hammers believe the bonuses will be difficult to achieve and are standing fast on their minimum offer of £100 million to send their midfielder across London. 

The paper reports that Arsenal remain confident they will secure Rice this summer, as the English international is keen on the move. 

The price is a sticking point however, as he is not the only player on Arsenal's radar. The Premier League runners-up are also eyeing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, as well as Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.

Most recently, the Gunners entered talks with Ajax over defender Jurrien Timber, and have been told they'll need to splash out somewhere in the region of £50 million for the 19-year-old.

 

June 20, 2023