Manchester City rival Arsenal in Declan Rice pursuit

Manchester City are set to rival Arsenal in the pursuit of Declan Rice, with the race set to pick up heat as the season ends.

According to Fichajes, Manchester City are ready to rival Arsenal in the chase for Declan Rice. The West Ham United captain has emerged as a target for Pep Guardiola, who he sees as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, with the German set to depart the Etihad.

Declan Rice is set to become the biggest transfer story of the Premier League as he seeks an exit from West Ham United. The midfielder wants to play in the Champions League and harbours ambitions to win trophies. For years, Chelsea were the favourites to land him at some stage. But the situation has shifted in another direction.

Arsenal have emerged as the front-runners for the West Ham captain, who has a market value of €80 million. The English international has reportedly opened the doors for a move that he feels could prove the right step in his career. Mikel Arteta remains fond of the player and views him as the ideal midfield upgrade.

Arsenal are reportedly considering paying a huge fee if required for Rice. They are also chasing Moises Caicedo and want both these PL midfielders in their camp for next season. The Gunners could even pay €100 million or more to secure Rice’s services.

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However, with Arsenal clear about their preference for Rice, they might still have to fight hard to sign the midfielder. There have been reports of Liverpool’s interest, but Manchester City are the only real challenge for the Gunners. And as per the report, Manchester City are considering moving for the PL captain in the summer.

Pep Guardiola wants to strengthen his midfield option as at least two of his current players might depart the club. One of them is Ilkay Gundogan, with Barcelona interested in signing him for free. The German remains a valued member of Guardiola’s squad and will leave a big void if he leaves at the end of the season. The Manchester City manager has thus identified Rice, among others, as the ideal replacement.

Manchester City have showcased before they will have no problems paying a large fee for a top player. In recent windows, the Premier League champions did so with Jack Grealish, Kalvin Phillips and Erling Haaland. That might remain the case with Rice.

Manchester City will have to pitch an exceptional proposa;. Arsenal considered in the driving seat for West Ham captain. The midfielder is also settled in London, which benefits Arsenal largely. For now, the race is only at its starting point, and there is a long road ahead for Arsenal and Manchester City. West Ham are already looking at a potential replacement, as they are set to finish the season without securing European football.