Arsenal’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice this summer could face a potential setback as Bayern Munich emerges as a formidable competitor.
The newly-crowned Bundesliga champions, under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, are reportedly willing to offer £95 million to secure the services of the talented midfielder, according to The Mirror.
The race to sign Rice is expected to be one of the most intense battles of the transfer window, with several top English clubs expressing interest. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool are all reportedly monitoring the situation. However, Rice is said to be open to the idea of a move to Germany.
Joining Bayern Munich would not only provide Rice with a chance to compete for silverware, but it would also grant him the opportunity to be part of a club that has dominated the Bundesliga, winning the last 11 league titles.
Additionally, with Tuchel looking to revamp the squad after a relatively disappointing campaign, there is a vacant spot for a new midfielder.
Reports suggest that Tuchel has already held discussions with Rice, who was initially expected to inform West Ham of his desire to join Arsenal. However, all official negotiations are currently on hold until after West Ham’s Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina on June 7.
The battle for Rice’s signature is set to unfold in the coming months, with Arsenal now facing stiff competition from Bayern Munich for the highly sought-after midfielder.