Arsenal given HUGE boost as they prepare to launch transfer offensive

Tom Weber

• Updated: 1 Jun 2023 19:45 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are getting ready to launch an official bid for West Ham's Declan Rice and they appear to have been given a big boost in his pursuit.

The Hammers midfielder is one of the Premier League's most sought-after players and all of the division's biggest teams have at various times been linked with a move for the 24-year-old.

It is not hard to see why Rice is attracting such strong interest. His performances in recent seasons have seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) explode, peaking at €70 million at the end of last season, and plateauing somewhat in the mid-€60m range this term due to West Ham's poor Premier League results.

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In recent times, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United have crystallised as the favourites to land the holding midfielder, but it is the Gunners who now appear to be in pole position for his signature.

Bidding to start next week

According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are preparing to launch an official bid, but they are waiting until West Ham have played their UEFA Conference League final out of respect.

Since the Italian transfer expert has revealed this information, more details have emerged. It has been known for a while that the Hammers will ask for north of €100m for their star man and, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are set to make an opening offer worth around €105m.

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Moreover, the report claims that the Gunners have been given a big boost in their pursuit as Rice is set to rebuff the approaches from Bayern Munich despite Thomas Tuchel reportedly meeting the player in person recently.

Manchester United, however, still remain interested and they could yet make a move, though it is doubtful whether they can afford to meet West Ham's asking price due to their uncertain ownership situation.