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Arsenal believe that they can secure the signature of England international Declan Rice in the upcoming summer transfer window by offering to quadruple the wages he currently earns at West Ham.
The 24-year-old midfielder is expected to depart the Hammers this summer after expressing a desire to compete in the Champions League. This would mean moving to a club that regularly competes higher up the Premier League table.
In recent months, the midfielder has been linked to a number those clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, but it seems Arsenal is the club that has captured his attention.
The Gunners have already qualified for the Champions League ahead of next season, which will be of interest to Rice.
He is unlikely to sign a new contract with West Ham, who may be compelled to sell their prized asset prior to June 2025, when his current deal expires.
Gunners Could Offer to Quadruple Rice’s Wages
The Daily Star have recently reported that Arsenal are in prime position to sign Rice.
It is believed that the player presently earns £60,000 per week, and Arsenal are prepared to make him one of their highest-paid players. His weekly remuneration could quadruple to approximately £240,000.
Asked about it on international duty months ago, Rice expressed his desire to play top level European football to reporters.
“Yeah – one hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” the midfielder said, “For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.”
“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing,” he added, ” I see my friends here, who are playing Champions League and competing for big trophies.”
West Ham have dwelled close the bottom of the Premier League table for much of this season and though in recent weeks they have pulled away from the relegation battle.
A big victory over Manchester United on Sunday evening, courtesy of a first-half strike from Said Benrahma, saw the Irons secure a massive three points and the club now look safe in the division for another season.
Rice and the club also have a Europa Conference League semi-final to look forward to. AZ Alkmaar is West Ham’s semi-final opponent, with Fiorentina and Basel competing in the other semi.
If the Hammers can make it to the final in Prague on 7th June, Rice could lead West Ham to their first trophy in 43 years.
Moyes: ‘He’s Going To Be A Top Player’
Manager David Moyes has spoken of the young midfielder in recent press-conferences.
“Undoubtedly he’s going to be a top player, and undoubtedly he’ll be a British transfer record and more whenever he leaves West Ham,” the Scottish manager said.
The British transfer record is currently held by Enzo Fernandez, who joined Chelsea from Benfica in January for £107 million. After his £100 million transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City two years ago, Jack Grealish is the most expensive British footballer ever.
Asked if a summer departure was inevitable for Rice in the upcoming transfer window, Moyes replied, “I hope it’s not!”
“A lot’s been said about it and when you see what’s been happening with prices, I think Declan will be blowing that out the water when it comes around.”
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