Arsenal take stance on Rice amid West Ham United’s demand

Arsenal have reportedly taken a stance over their primary summer transfer target, Declan Rice.

Although the West Ham United midfielder remains Mikel Arteta’s target, Arsenal will not pursue him should his price tag go higher.

Rice’s valuation has been in the region of £80 million, but the Hammers are reportedly going to ask for £120 million, an amount that might blow the Gunners out of the market.

With Champions League football set to return to the Emirates for the first time in seven years, Arsenal are set to bring on board more players to widen the playing unit pool.

And the midfield is an area expected to be prioritized in the transfer period, and Rice has been a primary target to be brought on board and bolster the department.

The 24-year-old has 12 months left on his current contract, and the Hammers have the option of extending it by a year amid interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and even Manchester United.

The option to extend the deal means West Ham will have a strong hand at the negotiation table.

Arsenal have never shied away from walking out of negotiations when they feel the price of a player is exaggerated.

They attempted to sign Mykhailo Mudryk, but despite submitting a bid deemed fair for the Ukrainian star, Chelsea went on to win the race when they tabled a £88 million offer.

They also had an interest in Lisandro Martinez while still at Ajax, but ended their pursuit of the centre-back when Manchester United appeared and made an offer of around £60 million.