Manchester City are set to rival Arsenal for Declan Rice and are readying a formal offer, as the race intensifies to land the West Ham captain.
Telegraph Sport reported last week that City regard Rice as a “strong option” this summer and they are now set to make their move and challenge Arsenal for his signature.
City’s desire to sign another midfielder has been strengthened by the departure of captain Ilkay Gundogan, who has agreed to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Arsenal have been the frontrunners in the race for Rice and have so far had two bids rejected by West Ham, who want £100 million for the England international. Arsenal’s second bid, a club-record offer worth £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons, was rejected earlier this week. Arsenal regard Rice as their top transfer target this summer and are hoping to rebuild their midfield around the 24-year-old, who has been aware of the club’s interest for months. A third offer from Mikel Arteta’s side is expected.
Rice’s personal preference could prove decisive in the contest to sign him, and Arsenal have been confident this summer that he wants to make the move to the Emirates Stadium. The prospect of playing under Pep Guardiola for City could yet change that, however, and the Treble winners have the financial firepower to meet West Ham’s demands.
As revealed by Telegraph Sport earlier this week, Manchester United are also considering rivalling Arsenal for Rice’s signature by proposing a deal that could involve Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay.
City’s willingness to formalise interest in Rice comes after their Treble winning captain Gundogan rebuffed the offer of a new deal to join Barcelona. The European champions have already agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign Croatia international Mateo Kovacic for £30m but want another top midfielder.
Rice would likely play as one of two midfield pivots in Guardiola’s 3-2-4-1 system and Kovacic further ahead as a No. 8 option but the fact both players are extremely versatile is also thought to appeal greatly to City.
