Manchester United are considered ‘outsiders’ in the race for Declan Rice but could still enter the chase at a later stage.
Manchester United still want to be a part of the Declan Race but are seeking more time before they make an offer. The information comes from Daily Telegraph, which lays out the saga surrounding the £100 million-rated Arsenal target as West Ham United brace for fresh bids.
Arsenal fans are gripped to their screens, waiting on updates from their credible journalists on the Declan Rice saga. The midfielder is Mikel Arteta’s primary target for this window, and the Gunners have seen at least two bids rejected by West Ham United.
Soon, Manchester City entered the race as widespread reports pointed towards their concrete interest in the £100 million-rated Arsenal target. Pep Guardiola’s side have taken a while since to make a formal offer, which they did with a bid of £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons.
West Ham have since rejected the bid that matched the Gunners’ last offer. Manchester City may have had the upper hand as their proposal brought more guaranteed fees. Arsenal are now expected to make their third bid and get close to the Hammers’ valuation of around £100 million.
During this period, there was mention of Manchester United’s interest in Rice. The Red Devils thought about a part-exchange deal and were ready to involve players like Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay in negotiations.
West Ham are also encouraging a part-exchange offer and are interested in players like Maguire. They were also keen on Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips but might accept a cash-only deal. The report claims that Manchester United are keeping tabs on the Rice situation.
Manchester United might still consider entering the Rice race with full vigour but will need time to sort out other factors. There’s plenty of uncertainty surrounding their transfer budget for this window amid the situation with their takeover.
They could enter the race but have asked for more time and are essentially considered ‘outsiders’ for the Arsenal target. For now, the Gunners and Manchester City are in the midst of a huge bidding war, and the entry of the Red Devils could complicate matters.
As things stand, Rice, valued at £100 million, reportedly prefers a move to Arsenal for it allows him to remain in London. He could also find it difficult to turn down an approach from Manchester City if Guardiola’s side end up agreeing a fee with West Ham.
