Manchester City are exploring a deal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice after Arsenal saw their opening bid rejected by the Hammers.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta sees Rice as one of his top targets this summer, however have had an opening bid rejected by West Ham.
It’s understood that the initial offer for Rice left the Hammers unimpressed due to the amount of clauses included.
The England international is set to leave the club after helping them win the Europa Conference League earlier this month.
Rice effectively has two years left on his contract at the London Stadium, but is eager to play Champions League football next season.
The Cityzens are now anticipated to make a move for the Hammers captain, after seeing Arsenal’s bid rejected.
🚨 Arsenal’s opening bid for Declan Rice was worth £80m + add-ons. REJECTED. ❌
(Source: @SkySports) pic.twitter.com/2hhnvWyEEE
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) June 15, 2023
Ilkay Gundogan could leave City when his contract expires at the end of the month, and Kevin De Bruyne is expected to miss the start of the season through injury. This could open the gap for Rice to slot straight into City’s midfield.
Pep Guardiola is believed to be a huge admirer of Rice, and the club could launch a bid in the next few days.
Arsenal had been leading the race to sign the 24-year-old and held positive talks with the Hammers last month, but now it seems like a battle for his signature is on.
Rice has played 245 games and scored 15 goals for West Ham, having made after making his debut in the 2016/17 season when he graduated from the academy.
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