Arsenal make opening bid for 24yo midfielder

Arsenal have made an opening bid to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, according to The Daily Mail.

The Gunners are determined to land the England international from the Hammers and they are now in talks with the Hammers.

An opening offer of £80m was made earlier today, but the proposal was immediately rejected by the east London outfit.

The Hammers are aware of the interest from clubs such as Manchester City, and they are aiming to secure the best fee possible.

Despite this, the Gunners are optimistic of striking an agreement and they are prepared to make an improved proposal very soon.

The Gunners are likely to offer a package of around £100m for the midfielder with a further £20m in the form of add-ons.

It is anticipated that the proposal will be accepted by the Hammers, considering Rice prefers to continue in London next term.

He has no plans of considering a move to his former club Chelsea.