Arsenal are prepared to step up their chase of West Ham United captain Declan Rice, according to reports.
The 24-year-old guided the Hammers to European glory on Wednesday night, as David Moyes’ side defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in the Europa Conference League final.
Rice has been a key player for West Ham this season, appearing on 50 times in all competitions, scoring five goals and registering four assists.
The England international’s contract at the London Stadium expires in a year, and West Ham chairman David Sullivan has indicated that he will be sold this summer.
Sullivan stated after the win against Fiorentina that the Hammers had finally acknowledged defeat in their pursuit of the midfielder, who will seek pastures new ahead of the 2023-24 season.
The chairman of the London club has stated that he expects ‘offers to arrive today,’ with a number of clubs willing to recruit him this summer.
Rice has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool, with Bayern Munich also interested to bring him to Germany.
However, Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners for the former Chelsea youngster, and The Telegraph reports that the Gunners will speed up their pursuit in the coming days.
According to the report, a move for Rice may cost up to £92 million, with West Ham unwilling to allow him leave on a cheap deal despite the player’s desire to move on.
Rice has been with the Hammers since 2014, after being released by Chelsea.
The Englishman made his debut for the East London club in 2017, and he has already appeared on 245 occasions in all competitions for his current side, scoring 15 goals and registering 13 assists.
Rice indicated a desire to play Champions League football at this stage of his career during the 2022 World Cup, something Arsenal would be able to do if he went to the Emirates Stadium.
Despite Arsenal appearing to be in the lead, Man United are reportedly still in the hunt for the midfielder, as Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his options in that part of the pitch.
For more Sports updates please follow us on Twitter
