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Arsenal fans are outraged by reports suggesting that West Ham United will demand £90 million for Declan Rice this summer.
Rice, 24, has emerged as the Gunners' top transfer target amid his superb season with West Ham. The Hammers captain has scored four goals and provided as many assists in 46 games across competitions.
According to the Daily Mail (via Sky Sports), Arsenal are set to open talks with David Moyes' side to sign Rice in a £90 million deal. He has rejected contract extension offers from the Hammers and has a year left to run on his current deal.
Mikel Arteta's side are keen to bolster their squad ahead of their return to UEFA Champions League football. Rice's stock has grown season after season in the Premier League, and he has been instrumental at the London Stadium.
The England international has made clear his desire to play in the Champions League. He said during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar (via the Guardian):
“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club, and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies."
Declan Rice may get his wish, with the Gunners seemingly willing to spend £90 million for his services. However, the club's fans aren't overly enthused by the amount of money that could be spent on the midfielder.
One fan thinks the English media's hype over Rice has led to such an astronomical fee being mooted:
"Declan is a good player but not what Arsenal needs, i retype, 'NEEDS' what's the difference between Tielemans and Declan? The answer is 'English media hype'. They are both average players, say a 60 or a 65, Afc needs a proper DM, there are players in Vieira & Keane's form now."
Another reckons Arsenal could sign Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo for cheaper:
"Could get Caicedo for cheaper."
Here's how Twitter reacted to talk of the Gunners being willing to offer £90 million for Rice in the summer:
Arsenal joined by Manchester City in Declan Rice pursuit
Declan Rice has also garnered interest from Manchester City, with reports suggesting that they are monitoring the Arsenal target. It's said that the Gunners are the frontrunners to secure Ricem but City are keeping tabs.
The Englishman may be viewed as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, with the German seemingly heading out of the Etihad. His contract expires at the end of the season, and Barcelona are interested in signing him as a free agent.
City boss Pep Guardiola appears to be massive fan of the West Ham captain. He lauded him in November 2021, telling BBC Sport:
“Declan Rice is an exceptional player.”
Rice continues to become one of the Premier League's most sought-after talents. He will almost certainly be on the move to one of English football's heavyweights in the summer.
