Bayern Munich are ‘close’ to completing a shock move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to new reports.
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It was thought that Rice favoured a move to Arsenal this summer despite Thomas Tuchel’s best efforts to convince him to join Bayern.
But the race for his signature took a twist on Friday with reports that Rice sees himself joining the German champions instead.
According to fresh reports, Bayern are now ‘about to close the signing’ of Rice in what would be a huge transfer blow to Arsenal.
The Bundesliga giants view Rice as ‘the perfect defensive midfielder’ for the club and ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel is believed to be a huge fan of the 24-year-old, having held talks with the player on the telephone over a potential transfer.
Tuchel is said to have told Rice that he would be a star at Bayern and that playing for his side would develop his game and take him to the next level.
It is believed that Bayern will break their own transfer record to sign the England international after positive talks with Rice.
Arsenal have made Rice their top summer transfer target and like Tuchel, Mikel Arteta is also believed to be a ‘huge fan’, having already made plans regarding where he would fit in his system at the Emirates.
Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with a summer move for Rice, who is destined to depart east London.
Arsenal are preparing to submit a club record opening bid to sign him – which they now may press ahead with quickly – amid reports that he could be heading to the Bundesliga instead.
MORE : Declan Rice responds to speculation over his future
MORE : Mikel Arteta hints at the approach he will use to convince Declan Rice to pick Arsenal over rival offers
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