Arsenal should worry now that Man United have entered the race for Declan Rice
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the UEFA Europa Conference League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between West Ham United and KAA Gent at London Stadium on April 20, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Worry for Arsenal as Man Utd prepare exchange offer for their top target
Manchester United are ready to challenge Arsenal in the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice and are willing to offer either Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay as part of the deal, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Arsenal have already had two bids rejected by West Ham but remain optimistic about signing the 24-year-old. However, the Red Devils have now entered the race and are considering a player-plus-cash offer involving Maguire or McTominay.
? Manchester United are considering making an offer to West Ham for Declan Rice that would include Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay moving to the Hammers.
(Source: @JBurtTelegraph) pic.twitter.com/8LgvKeLAdG
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 21, 2023
West Ham has shown interest in Scotland international McTominay previously, who is among the players United could offload this summer. Manager David Moyes is also a huge admirer of club captain Maguire, although his high salary expectations may pose a challenge. Maguire has not expressed a desire to leave Old Trafford despite a limited number of Premier League starts last season.
The structure of Arsenal’s initial offers for Rice, worth over £80 million, did not impress West Ham, as they preferred a larger upfront payment. The North London outfit made a second offer of £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons spread over five years, but it was swiftly rejected.
“Man Utd could pay more money!” ??
“Arsenal will have their ceiling.” ?
Ray Parlour fears #MUFC will outbid #AFC in the race to sign #WHUFC’s Declan Rice. pic.twitter.com/wat9DnK1HV
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) May 26, 2023
However, the Gunners expected to return with a further bid in the near future.
While the Hammers have accepted that the Englishman will leave this summer, they are prepared to wait for the right deal, with Manchester City also expressing interest. Meanwhile, Manchester United has primarily focused on acquiring Chelsea’s Mason Mount, but the Blues rejected an initial bid of £40 million.
The battle for Rice’s signature intensifies as three Premier League giants, Arsenal and the two Manchester clubs, vie for his services. The inclusion of Maguire or McTominay in the deal adds an intriguing twist, and it remains to be seen how West Ham will respond and whether United’s offer trumps every possible offer that Arsenal are willing to give…..
