Manchester City are eyeing a summer move for Declan Rice, a target for Arsenal, as they seek replacements for Ilkay Gundogan.
Ilkay Gundogan will likely leave Manchester City when his contract expires in the summer. And a report from Football Insider claims that the Premier League champions want West Ham United captain Declan Rice, a target for Arsenal, as his replacement.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and he could prove to be a top-class signing for Manchester City. Rice has been linked with clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea as well.
However, Manchester City have the finances to compete with any club in the world and certainly fancy their chances against Arsenal. The Gunners are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, and they have been keeping tabs on the 24-year-old for a while now.
Rice wants to play for a club in the Champions League, and Manchester City could provide him with the platform he needs. The Premier League have a proven track record of competing and winning trophies every season. Rice could thus be tempted if there is a concrete offer on the table from the defending league champions.
Manchester City are currently on course to win the Premier League title this year as well, and they will be an attractive destination for most players. Rice will be looking to continue his development and fulfil his potential in the coming seasons. Working with a world-class coach like Pep Guardiola could be the ideal option for the West Ham captain as well.
Meanwhile, Gundogan has been an important player for Manchester City over the years, and he has produced big performances for them in vital moments. His departure will certainly come as a blow to the Premier League club. The German international is expected to leave as a free agent, and he has been linked with a move to Barcelona.
Manchester City will now look to agree on a reasonable fee with West Ham for the England international. Rice will be out of contract in the summer of 2024, and he has refused to sign a contract extension with the Hammers. The Hammers will not want to lose him on a free transfer, and they will be under pressure to sell him in the coming months.
However, there have been rumours that the London club could look to demand in excess of £100 million for the midfielder. So it remains to be seen whether Manchester City are prepared to pay up for the Arsenal target.