Declan Rice is prepared to turn down Bayern Munich with West Ham captain prioritizing a transfer to the Premier League… as Arsenal emerge as front-runners for the £100m rated star
- Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel had hoped to persuade Declan Rice to join
- The West Ham captain’s preference is to continue playing in the Premier League
- Arsenal are preparing an opening bid of £90 million for their summer target
Declan Rice will prioritize a move to the Premier League this summer as he prepares for a move to Bayern Munich.
Arsenal emerge as front-runners in the race to sign West Ham captain Rice for next season, while Manchester United are also interested.
German champions Bayern, under the management of Thomas Tuchel, have plans of their own to lure the England international away from the London Stadium this summer.
Former Chelsea manager Tuchel has been a longtime admirer of Rice and believes the 24-year-old has all the qualities to be a success in the Bundesliga.
But Mail Sport has learned Rice prefers to continue playing in England’s top flight next season, news that comes as a blow to Bayern’s chances.
Declan Rice is ready to turn down a move to Bayern Munich to stay in the Premier League
Rice’s preference will be a blow to Thomas Tuchel’s hopes of luring the star to Germany
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has made Rice his main target with a prepared £90 million bid
West Ham chairman David Sullivan’s starting value for Rice is estimated at more than £100 million, with the businessman hoping to trigger an auction for the club’s midfielder.
Arsenal will make an opening bid in the region of £90 million for Rice once West Ham play Fiorentina in their Europa Conference League final next Wednesday.
Rice is believed to be based in London, which could give The Gunners an advantage over United.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has made Rice his number 1 target and asked the club to focus on bringing in the midfielder as their first transfer this summer.
With Granit Xhaka heading to Bayer Leverkusen next season, Arteta Rice has identified as the man he wants to replace the Swiss international in midfield next season.
Rice and West Ham are aware of Arsenal’s interest. However, United’s emergence as rivals to Rice could dash Arsenal’s hopes.
The Old Trafford club are operating on a limited transfer window this summer and are already planning to release at least £55 million from their budget to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
However, it is clear that United would consider trading players as part of their interest in Rice.
The Hammers have been continuously linked with an interest in United midfielder Scott McTominay, whose current contract expires next summer.