Arsenal worst fears realised with second club ‘to bid for Rice within 24 hours’

Reports suggest an unnamed second club is set to submit a bid for Declan Rice ‘within the next 24 hours’ as the race for the West Ham captain intensifies. The England international is hot property following the opening of the summer transfer window and frontrunners Arsenal risk being dragged into a bidding war, something they are desperate to avoid.

The Gunners saw their opening proposal worth up to £90million including add-ons rejected by West Ham on Thursday after weeks of intense speculation.

While they are expected to try again with an improved offer, it appears they are no longer alone at the table.

The Telegraph are reporting that a second unnamed club is also ready to submit a bid imminently, in a major blow for Arsenal.

Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United are all reportedly prepared to rival the Gunners in the race for Rice meaning West Ham could get the auction they desire.

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Manchester City’s interest appears to have become more concrete in the past few days as their captain Ilkay Gundogan continues to consider his future.

City undoubtedly have the financial firepower to rival and potentially oust Arsenal in the battle for Rice’s signature which will cause undeniable feelings of concern in the Emirates Stadium boardroom.

Arsenal remain confident Rice wants to join the club and personal terms are not expected to be an issue for the 24-year-old.

They have been working on the deal for several weeks behind the scenes after Arteta and Edu decided back in January that Rice was the club’s top summer target.

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The Gunners tried and failed with a discreet approach during the winter window but have now returned and are prepared to pay a club-record fee to land their defensive midfielder.

Arsenal must now decide if they are prepared to go even bigger and wrap up the deal before rivals attempt to beat them to the punch.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan has already made it clear that Rice is free to leave the club this summer if their valuation is met.

The Conference League winners are looking for over £100m for their skipper and if other clubs engage in the bidding process, West Ham are almost certain to get their wish.

Rice is currently away on international duty with England meaning he is unlikely to complete any move until next week at the earliest.

The Irons are already actively looking for replacements and are interested in signing Ajax’s Mexican midfielder Edson Alvarez as Rice’s successor.

Other names are also admired including long-term target James Ward-Prowse.

The England international could be available for a cut-price following Southampton’s relegation from the Premier League.

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