Treble-winners Manchester City are reportedly in advanced talks with West Ham United over the transfer of Arsenal’s top midfield target, Declan Rice.
According to Sky Sports Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Manchester City have now entered ‘advanced talks’ to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice ahead of long-time suitors Arsenal.
The Sky Blues inserted themselves into the conversation only in recent days as a potential long-term replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who is on the verge of joining Barcelona on a free transfer. The Cityzens have quickly moved through the gears in their pursuit and are soon expected to make their opening offer for Rice.
The news comes as a massive blow for Arsenal, who looked to be in control of any deal for the 24-year-old. The England international has been the Gunners’ top transfer target since the January transfer window closed, and they have had two bids rejected for him.
The north London outfit had a first bid of £80 million plus at least £10 million in add-ons rejected last week for the England international before another offer in the same ballpark, with both offers falling short of West Ham’s £100 million asking price. The Gunners’ inability to agree upon a fee with West Ham at first go has left the door ajar for Manchester City to swoop in the transfer race.
Manchester City are determined to beat Arsenal to sign Rice, and the hefty price tag would not be a problem for the Premier League and European champions. There have also been rumours that West Ham are leaning towards a possible transfer to City, with the possibility of asking for Phillips in a part-exchange deal.
On the surface, it appears surprising that Manchester City are chasing after Rice. With Rodri, Kalvin Phillips, and now John Stones in his new role, the Cityzens are not exactly short of options when it comes to the holding midfield department, and when factoring in that they have a deal in place for Mateo Kovacic, it does not make much sense to a layman.
But then again, no one really knows what Guardiola’s plans are for the talented playmaker at the Etihad Stadium, where he will have the chance to achieve every major trophy that the footballing world has to offer. Losing their top target to their domestic rivals would be the absolute worst-case scenario for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are also expected to bid again and are refusing to give up in the race just yet.
There have been reports that although Rice’s preference is to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium, thus enabling him to stay in the capital and closer to his family, he would not turn his nose up at the opportunity to work under Guardiola. What will be the outcome of this high-profile transfer saga remains to be seen, but it feels as though City have taken the lead in the race for Rice.
