West Ham have rejected Arsenal's opening bid as the north London club races to sign star midfielder Declan Rice as Manchester City prepare to compete for the signature of the Hammers captain.
The north London club has long been the favoured option ahead of a likely summer move for the England star, despite overtures from a number of top flight clubs.
Rivals to secure Rice's services have included Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea, but their interest has waned after confronting the reality of Rice's reported desire to join Mikel Arteta's side.
Bayern Munich wrapped up their interest in the 24-year-old on Tuesday, despite head coach Thomas Tuchel's desire to make him the club's record signing, their unwillingness to compete with Arsenal's financial muscle also a factor.
The Hammers believe their player is worth a staggering £110million, and co-chairman Daniel Sullivan's hopes of an array of suitors driving up one another's bids may yet come to fruition.
Arsenal are said to have opened discussions with West Ham on Wednesday, with Arsenal's executive Tim Lewis and his opposite number Karren Brady talking over a potential offer when Premier League clubs met at their annual AGM.
Although Arsenal are willing to pay close to West Ham's asking price, their opening offer was believed to be lower.
West Ham are believed to be interested in what Man City may be able to offer for the player, further delaying the Gunners' plans to make a swift move for their No 1 transfer target.
City's interest comes after Rice was the focus of rivals United's transfer aspirations, but the Red Devils' transfer energies have been largely focused on securing the talents of Rice's friend and England team-mate, Mason Mount.
Very FUNNY how fans here analyze football. Very FUNNY how fans here analyze football. Man City DO NOT compete with money on transfer, they compete with the player's desire to join which pep prefers. You can confirm this with the Alexis Sanchez and Manchester united deal which Man Utd hijacked. Another latest of this hijacked from Man City is Cucurella from Brighton to Chelsea deal. Man City would not break their bank to buy a player they don't prioritize. Club don't take advantage of their rich owner because Man City have defined their transfer process. Just check out how much they bought Halaand, that figure could easily be excess of £150m if it were to be bought by other teams. The link with Man City is a supposed pressure on the Arsenal board in a bid from West Ham to inflate the price of their star player on a year deal left. For £100m for Rice?? Maybe the Arsenal board can go ahead but for £110m? Edu will be crazy if he goes ahead with this deal. with money on transfer, they compete with the player's desire to join which pep prefers. You can confirm this with the Alexis Sanchez and Manchester united deal which Man Utd hijacked. Another latest of this hijacked from Man City is Cucurella from Brighton to Chelsea deal. Man City would not break their bank to buy a player they don't prioritize. Club don't take advantage of their rich owner because Man City have defined their transfer process. Just check out how much they bought Halaand, that figure could easily be excess of £150m if it were to be bought by other teams. The link with Man City is a supposed pressure on the Arsenal board in a bid from West Ham to inflate the price of their star player on a year deal left. For £100m for Rice?? Maybe the Arsenal board can go ahead but for £110m? Edu will be crazy if he goes ahead with this deal. WE TRUST OUR PROCESS ANYWAYS!