According to reports, Declan Rice, a midfielder hero for West Ham United, is close to joining Manchester City as Pep’s city has been leading the race ahead of Arsenal. David Sullivan, the chairman of West Ham, has said that Rice will be allowed to leave the club this summer for the right price. Rice is anxious to play in the Champions League.
For the past few months, people have considered Rice as the favorite to join Arsenal, with reports suggesting that the England international has set his heart on playing at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners, who have singled out Rice as their top target, had West Ham reject two high-profile proposals, including their latest offer.
The Hammers reportedly value Rice between £100 million and £120 million, and they are unlikely to drop their asking price unless the transaction includes players as well. Arsenal has thus far been hesitant to agree to West Ham’s asking price, and now Man City, the reigning Premier League champions, have intensified their pursuit of Rice.
Arsenal’s most recent offer included an upfront cost of £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons spread over four to five years. Recent rumors suggest that the Citizens are getting ready to make a formal offer to sign Rice. According to Sky Sports in Italy, City is set to submit an initial offer of £75 million plus £15 million in bonuses over the next two years. Rice is ‘coming closer’ to signing for Man City, who are optimistic of striking a final agreement with West Ham, according to Italian writer Gianluca Di Marzio on Sky Calcio.
West Ham Star ‘Getting Closer’ To Rival Club
Declan Rice is in high demand, and while Manchester United has added a new player to the trade talks, one of their Premier League rivals is getting closer to landing his services. Premier League champions, Manchester City forced their way to the head of the line for Rice. Arsenal has a significant challenge as City is expected to present a proposal that exactly fulfills West Ham’s requirements.
Additionally, City has been encouraged to reach a contract agreement with the player. While he would prefer to stay in or close to London, where the majority of his family resides, he appears to be open to any options. He could be interested in a significant move to Manchester as a result.
After it was revealed on Wednesday that club captain Ilkay Gundogan has decided to join Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract ends at the end of this month, Man City stepped up their pursuit of Rice. Despite the fact that the Citizens have already reached an agreement with Chelsea to buy Mateo Kovacic for an initial £25 million, Pep Guardiola is now trying to entice Rice to the Etihad Stadium.
A big-money transfer for Rice to Old Trafford seems improbable owing to Financial Fair Play laws, leaving Man City and Arsenal to engage in a bidding battle. The Red Devils embarked on a buying spree on Wednesday, making a new £50 million offer for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and proposing Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire in a player-plus-cash deal for Declan Rice.
Since making his debut as a professional in 2017, Rice has made 245 appearances for West Ham in all competitions. During the 2022–23 season, he made an impact with five goals and three assists in 50 games.
