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It is no secret that #WestHamFC are after a record British amount for their Captain, Declan Rice. It is also no secret that Arsenal consider him to be their number one transfer priority for this window.

And now, as reported by TalkSport, Arsenal have made their opening bid for the England Midfielder's signature. How was this bid received?

WOULD ARSENAL MEET THE 100 MILLION ASKING PRICE

Even though Arsenal were aware that West Ham want in excess of 100 Million, and #ArsenalFC have indicated that they were meeting this valuation, it appears...according to Talksport...that Arsenal's initial bid was massively lower than this figure.

According to the outlet, Arsenal only offered 80 million, plus 10 million in add-ons. If you were #WHUFC, would you have accepted this?

Likely, you would have said exactly what the Hammers did, and turned it down flat.

WILL ARSENAL RETURN WITH A BETTER OFFER?

The positive news for the Gunners though, is that this is not the end of the road. However, it is not all good. Let's look at the positive. Talksport claim that Arsenal are expected to return with an improved offer. All good in an ideal World. However, this is not an ideal World. Consider what the Talksport headline ACTUALLY said:

West Ham reject Arsenal offer for Declan Rice as Man City consider hijacking deal

This DOES make sense...Arsenal were closest to beating City to the title, and making sure Arsenal do not have the firepower to challenge again, must be a priority for the Citizens. So, spending a record amount for Rice is a sensible choice for #ManCity.

What the #Gunners need to do is act...and act quickly! If #ArsenalFC are serious about being a truly 'BigBoy' in the #EPL, then they need to get this one over the line. There is no room for penny pinching as was the case with the LuisSuarez fiasco.

COYG get this one over the line...and do it now!