Arsenal’s early blow in Rice bid as Hammers seek £100m

Foes then friends? Declan Rice in action last season against Thomas Partey, who could be his team-mate when the new campaign begins

- Malik Ouzia and Nizaar Kinsella

ARSENAL have had an opening bid for Declan Rice rejected by West Ham.

The Gunners made their first move for the England midfielder after talks between the clubs, but West Ham turned down the bid because it falls short of their asking price of at least £100million. West Ham are also thought to be unhappy about the structure of the deal, which contained a number of clauses.

Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer, but it has emerged that Manchester City are exploring their own move for Rice. Rival interest from City could be bad news for Arsenal, but the Gunners remain confident of securing their top summer transfer target.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan confirmed after the Europa Conference League Final that 24-year-old Rice would be sold this summer. Rice has rejected a £200,000-a-week offer to stay at West Ham and has two years left on his contract, so this summer represents their last big chance to bank a big fee for their skipper.