Arsenal are in a battle with Manchester City to sign Declan Rice (Pictures: Getty)

Arsenal have reached out to West Ham to make it clear they will make a third offer for Declan Rice worth almost £100m after the Hammers rejected Manchester City’s opening bid for the midfielder.

The Gunners are in a battle with Premier League champions Man City to sign Rice but remain quietly confident of winning the race.

Arsenal identified Rice as their top summer target several months ago and have tabled two offers for the England star, the last worth £90m.

But West Ham value Rice, 24, at £100m and were not only unhappy with the money on the table but also how Arsenal’s deal was structured.

Manchester City tempted West Ham with their first bid on Monday night but again, the offer worth £80m up front and £10m in add-ons was knocked back.

In the aftermath of Man City’s opening bid, Arsenal informed West Ham of their intention to return with a third and improved offer for Rice which, according to the Daily Mail, was seen effectively as a verbal offer.

It is claimed Arsenal’s next bid will be within touching distance of West Ham’s valuation for a player who has made 245 appearances for the Hammers, many as captain.

More to follow…

Rice will almost certainly leave West Ham this summer – but where will he end up?