Bayern Munich pull out of Declan Rice race; Arsenal favourites to sign England midfielder
Bayern have decided against a move for Rice, who is set to stay in the Premier League.
Sky Germany report that Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have decided against making an offer for West Ham captain Declan Rice.
The decision was taken as the fee wanted for the England midfielder was increasing to a price that was no longer appealing to the Bayern board.
News #Rice: NO transfer! Bayern has decided today not to submit an offer after all - confirmed ✅
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) June 13, 2023
➡️ It was the clear trend for days and as reported on Friday, because Rice became more and more expensive.
He’s on verge to join @Arsenal now! First call BILD. @SkySportDE 🏴 pic.twitter.com/AXLFKWCnPa
Bayern head coach Thomas Tuchel recently called Rice to discuss a potential move to Germany but it now appears that a deal to the Allianz Arena is off despite the German tactician’s best efforts.
West Ham ready for Rice departure
Following West Ham’s UEFA Europa Conference League victory over Fiorentina last week, club chairman David Sullivan confirmed that the 24-year-old had likely played his last match for the London club.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “I think it has to be [Rice’s final game for West Ham]. We promised him he could go.”
Arsenal leading the race
Arsenal are the favourites to sign Rice, who has developed into one of the Premier League’s top performers in recent years.
Manchester United and Chelsea have previously shown an interest in signing the defensive midfielder, but he now looks set to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal record
Arsenal are hopeful of clinching the deal for a fee of around £100m. The North London club’s current record transfer fee is £72m, for winger Nicolas Pepe.