Declan Rice is prepared to turn down interest from Bayern Munich in favour of a Premier League move this summer.
Rice looks set to leave West Ham this summer in order to fulfil his ambition of competing in the Champions League and has been linked with a number of Europe’s leading clubs.
Arsenal are understood to be the front runners to sign the England international, but face competition from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
The latter have held talks with Rice’s representatives over a move to the Bundesliga with Thomas Tuchel a long-term admirer of the 24-year-old, but the Daily Mail are reporting that Rice will snub a move to Munich in favour of remaining in English football.
West Ham value Rice at around £100m and Arsenal are expected to submit their opening offer for the midfielder next week, once West Ham have faced Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
The Gunners have made Rice their leading transfer target ahead of the summer window and could have an advantage given the midfielder is settled in his native London.
Rice has had another impressive season for David Moyes’ side and led the Premier League for interceptions in 2022/23. He will captain the club into their European final next week as the Hammers look to win a first major trophy since 1980.
