Ally McCoist: Arsenal must quickly pay Declan Rice’s asking price to pip Manchester City to his services

Sky Sports commentator Ally McCoist believes Arsenal must match whatever Manchester City are offering West Ham United to have a chance of landing Declan Rice.

The Premier League champions entered the race for the England international yesterday and are closing in on an agreement with the Hammers.

However, Rice remains keen to join the North London club despite Man City’s interest.

The 24-year-old became a father last year and would love to remain in London as he is extremely close to his family.

Rice also admires the football Arsenal play under manager Mikel Arteta, but turning down the chance to play for Pep Guardiola could be too much for him.

The Gunners have already tabled two bids, and McCoist insists their third bid must be able to rival Man City’s.

“He is well within his right to make his choice,” the Sky Sports man told talkSPORT.

“The thing as we all know, if Manchester City offer more money, West Ham will clearly point him in their direction.

“ If the reports are led to believe that he’d rather stay South and go to Arsenal, I think it’s quite simple, Arsenal have to match City and go agree terms with West Ham.”

The Hammers want at least £100 million for their captain, but the Gunners’ first offer was £60m plus £15m in add-ons.

It was knocked back and a bid of £75m plus £15m in add-ons followed.

However, West Ham were unimpressed with Arsenal’s attempt to spread the £75m payment over five years.

They also deemed the series of add-ons included in the deal unrealistic, and Arteta’s side will need to do better.

Man City will not have any trouble offering West Ham what they want, which could be bad news for the Gunners.

They were pipped to the Premier League title by Guardiola’s side and could be dealt another huge blow if they lose their top summer target to them.