Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners may have to spend upwards of £100million to sign Declan Rice after West Ham altered their asking price
Despite this minor setback, there is still confidence within the Emirates Stadium that the Rice move will get over the line with West Ham's demands clear. The Gunners must also be wary of Manchester City and Chelsea who are still keeping themselves informed on Rice, but currently have other priorities.
However, while it is unlikely they back down from this stance, David Moyes' side have already changed their mind on the price. According to the Guardian, Arsenal were initially told that £80million would be enough to sign the 24-year-old this summer but West Ham's asking price has risen significantly because of their Europa Conference League triumph earlier this month.
If Rice is to depart this summer, securing a European trophy in his final game understandably does give West Ham some incentive to up his price. However, the fresh demand going up to £100million and possibly even £120million if some reports are to be believed, is unlikely to deter Arsenal but perhaps make them more reluctant to meet those demands.
Elsewhere in the market, Kai Havertz also looks set to be the recipient of a new transfer offer from Arsenal. The Gunners saw a first bid rejected last week but, according to the Daily Mail, a new package offer worth a total of £60million has been made, broken into £55million in guaranteed fees and £5million in add-ons.