Arsenal 'submit opening bid' for Declan Rice as Man Utd enter race for West Ham captain

Arsenal have submitted their “opening bid” for Declan Rice while Manchester United have also entered the race for the West Ham captain.

Amid the expected departure of Granit Xhaka at the end of the season, Arsenal have reportedly identified Rice as their No.1 target for the summer window.

And according to Sky Sports Germany, Arsenal have “already made an £80million offer” for the England international. It is thought a fee of around £100million would be enough to tempt West Ham into selling.

The same publication added that Bayern Munich are also interested, with Rice labelled a “dream target” for Thomas Tuchel.

Bayern have reportedly made contact with Rice’s agent, though would be unable to match the transfer fee Arsenal are said to have offered.

Rice to Man Utd?

Another club that has entered the race to sign Rice is United.

According to Sky Sports, Erik ten Hag’s side are trying to sign Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Rice, with the former said to be the Dutchman’s priority option.

Indeed, Kane, Rice and Mount are said to be exactly the type of characters Ten Hag wants in the club's dressing room.

However, it is unlikely the club will be able to sign all three, while United’s transfer plans are largely dependent on their impending takeover, with Qatari investors and Ineos owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the running.

Chelsea, too, have a long-standing interest in Rice - but the midfielder has made clear he wants to play Champions League football next term.

Both Chelsea and United’s interest in Rice opens up the prospect of Rice and Mount, who are boyhood friends, playing in the same team next season, as they had done in the Chelsea academy.