Arsenal have had their first bid worth over $100m for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice rejected by the Hammers.

The 24-year-old is currently away on international duty before England’s Euro 2024 qualifier away at Malta on Friday with his future looking increasingly likely to be away from the London Stadium.

Arsenal set to receive pressure from Premier League champions for Rice

Sources at West Ham expect Arsenal to come back with a new improved bid with the structure of the Gunners’ opening offer described as “embarrassing“. West Ham also anticipates an approach from Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who are now actively pursuing Rice according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

City are refusing to comment on any potential offer for Rice at this stage but with the uncertainty of the futures of midfielders Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, who is set to be out of contract in just 15 days’ time, Guardiola could be forced into making a move for the England international after going on the record previously as being a massive fan.

Rice currently has one year left on his current deal at West Ham, with the option of a further year, and Hammers owner David Sullivan is thought to want a fee closer to $150m.