Euro giant determined to squander Arsenal midfield plans as £95million snare comes into view

Bayern Munich are reportedly prepared to pay £95million to sign Declan Rice, which while below the asking price, it’s unclear what Arsenal are willing to pay.

Rice appears to be gearing up to play his last game for West Ham. Indeed, he’s got a chance to go out with a bang, with a European title to play for.

Indeed, the Hammers’ final game of the season is the Europa Conference League final. A win would be a massive achievement for everybody at the club, with major honours having eluded them for decades.

It would also represent the perfect end for Rice, if he is to leave. After missing out on the Europa League last season, bowing out in the semi-finals, the skipper will want to lead his side to a European triumph.

It would be a fitting end to see him lift a trophy given how influential he’s been for the club. The midfielder has played nearly 250 games for West Ham, and has been their best player for much of that time.

His time at the club has also seen him turn into one of the Premier League’s best players. That’s led to major interest from some big sides, and this season especially, it’s become clear he’s too good not to be playing for one of them.

Indeed, Arsenal and Manchester United are two of the main names in pursuit. The pair finished second and third in the league, respectively, compared to West Ham’s 14th-placed finish.

Arsenal appear to be the frontrunners, especially with Granit Xhaka looking likely to leave the club.

Bayern prepare £95million Rice bid

That snare won’t be plain sailing, though. Recent reports suggested Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken to Rice regarding a move to the German giants, in what has been referred to as a “good talk”.

It’s since been suggested Rice is “open” to joining Bayern.

Now, the German giants seem to be ramping up their interest. The Mirror reports they are ‘prepared to pay’ £95million to secure the services of the star and are ‘determined’ to beat Arsenal to the snare.

The report also suggests West Ham are ‘prepared to reject a bid of that size’. Indeed, it’s well known they’re looking for a fee of £100million or above.

However, it is ‘unclear how much Arsenal are willing to pay’ to land Rice. They might fall behind Bayern if they’re not willing to pay above the reported bid, and nearer the asking price.

Arsenal won’t back down

It would be very surprising if Arsenal sat back and watched another club work on a deal for their main target.

Especially given recent reports have stated Rice is ‘ready to make it clear’ that he wants to join the Gunners. Indeed, having become such a useful player in the Premier League, remaining with one of its biggest clubs seems the best course of action.

If Bayern are unable to go past the £95million package, Arsenal could remain in the box seat.

That they’d be able to pay more than £100million seems a given, especially as a £180million summer budget has been mooted.

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