Declan Rice looks set to make his final West Ham appearance tonight with the Hammers in action against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final
Manchester United are prepared to compete with Arsenal for the signing of West Ham captain Declan Rice in the summer transfer window. The Gunners are prioritising a move for the England international ahead of next season with Mikel Arteta keen on bolstering his squad before making a return to the Champions League, football.london understands.
The England international has rejected numerous approaches from the Hammers regarding signing a new contract at the London Stadium in the last 12 months. Rice's contract is set to expire next summer - but West Ham do have the option to extend his deal by a further year.
Rice has made it no secret of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League sooner rather than later, a boost to the Gunners considering they have qualified for Europe's elite competition for the first time since 2016. The West Ham captain was also full of praise for the north Londoners after the two sides met last season and is said to be settled in London, handing Arsenal a key advantage over United.
Erik ten Hag had identified Rice and Mason Mount as two key targets he wants to sign and reinforce his midfield options ahead of next season. United qualified for the Champions League last term after finishing inside the Premier League top four, with the Manchester outfit now having requested to be kept informed on developments over the future of the West Ham star.
Reports have suggested that Arsenal will begin negotiations with the Hammers over a deal to sign Rice following their Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina. Arteta is keen to get his transfer business completed swiftly ahead of pre-season training with the Gunners hoping to continue their upwards trajectory.
Arsenal value Rice at around £90million and will table their opening bid in the coming weeks with the summer transfer window set to officially open next week. West Ham are looking to receive a fee in the region of £120million for the 24-year-old despite David Moyes being resigned to losing his most-important player this summer.