Transfer Centre

Arsenal target Declan Rice rules out Bayern Munich move?

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 01 June 2023

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly prepared to snub interest from Bayern Munich in favour of staying in the Premier League amid interest from the likes of Arsenal.

The 24-year-old looks increasingly likely to leave the London Stadium this summer, with manager David Moyes admitting earlier this month that there is a "good chance" the England international will seek pastures new.

Rice, who has been named West Ham's Player of the Year for a second successive season, has established himself as a star player for the Hammers since making his debut in 2017, recording 15 goals and 13 assists in 244 games across all competitions.

However, the midfielder is out of contract at the end of next season and he has aspirations of playing for a club competing in the Champions League.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Rice in recent months, with manager Mikel Arteta understood to have identified the Englishman as his top midfield target ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their third goal on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

The Gunners' owner Stan Kroenke is said to have approved a club-record move to sign Rice, who is valued by West Ham at £100m.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have also been credited with an interest, while Bayern Munich appear to have stepped up their pursuit of the midfielder in recent weeks.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel is understood to have held talks with Rice about a proposed switch to the Bundesliga champions, who are allegedly prepared to table an offer of around £95m this summer.

Former Chelsea boss Tuchel has been an admirer of Rice for some time and has identified him as the perfect player to operate as a No.6 which can allow Joshua Kimmich to play further forward.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates after the match on February 4, 2023 © Reuters

However, Bayern appear to have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Rice, as the Daily Mail claims that the midfielder will turn down the chance to join the German giants in favour of continuing his career with a Premier League club.

The report adds that Rice is settled in London which provides a major boost to both Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for his signature.

Arsenal are expected to lodge their first offer to sign Rice after the midfielder captains West Ham in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina on June 7.

Rice could be viewed by the Gunners as a replacement for Granit Xhaka, who is believed to be edging closer to joining Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent deal worth in the region of £13m.