Bayern Munich have held talks with Declan Rice and view the West Ham captain as the ‘perfect’ defensive midfielder to strengthen their squad.
Rice is expected to leave West Ham this summer after turning down a new contract at the London Stadium and has been linked with a number of the Premier League’s leading clubs, with Arsenal having made the 24-year-old their top transfer target.
However, the Gunners are expected to face competition from Bayern for the England international and former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is keen on a deal to sign Rice at the end of the season.
Sky Sports are reporting that Bayern view Rice as the ‘perfect’ defensive midfielder and the Bundesliga side have opened initial talks with the player’s representatives.
There is an acceptance from Germany that a deal will be difficult, given Rice is valued in excess of £70m. David Moyes said earlier this season that Rice would cost interested clubs a British transfer record fee, though the final figure is expected to be less and West Ham are unlikely to stand in Rice’s way this summer.
Rice has been in exceptional form this season and was named as West Ham’s ‘Hammer of the Year’ for a third time last week. The midfielder has captained the club to the Europa Conference League final, where West Ham will face Fiorentina in their bid to win a first major trophy since 1980 on May 7.
