Declan Rice Transfer Battle: Manchester City Submit Opening Bid, Arsenal to Follow
Manchester City have submitted an opening bid for Declan Rice, but the offer has been rejected by West Ham. The Premier League champions entered the running to sign the England international on Monday evening with a bid worth an initial £80m with an extra £10m in add-ons. Arsenal are set to submit their third bid this week, and the Gunners have long been considered the favourites to land the 24-year-old.
Manchester City’s Offer
Manchester City’s offer for Declan Rice was worth an initial £80m with an extra £10m in add-ons. Mikel Arteta made the England international is No.1 summer transfer priority as far back as January, and the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, confirmed on Monday, opens up a spot in the champions’ midfield engine room.
Arsenal’s Interest
Arsenal are set to submit their third bid this week for Declan Rice, and the Gunners have long been considered the favourites to land the 24-year-old. It has been widely reported that Rice favours a move to the Gunners, but the chance to play under Pep Guardiola is sure to prove a tempting prospect.
Harry Redknapp’s Warning
Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp has warned Arsenal and City they could both end up missing out on Declan Rice this summer. Redknapp believes that if West Ham offer Rice up to £250k a week and brought in three or four top players, it may tempt him to stay where he is despite him wanting Champions League football. Redknapp also believes that Arsenal are a young and exciting team who could be the main challengers to Man City next season and beyond.
Conclusion
The transfer battle for Declan Rice is heating up, with both Manchester City and Arsenal vying for his signature. Manchester City have already submitted their opening bid, but it has been rejected by West Ham. Arsenal are set to submit their third bid this week, and former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp has warned both clubs that they could end up missing out on Rice this summer. It remains to be seen who will come out on top in this transfer battle.