DECLAN RICE still wants to join Arsenal – even though Manchester City are set to join the battle for his signature.
West Ham are expecting the treble winners to bid for their £100million-plus rated captain having already rejected two bids from Arsenal.
Should they accept an offer from Pep Guardiola’s side that the Gunners are unwilling to match, the decision will not be down to Rice. However, the England midfielder is aiming to stay in London and has been keen on a move to Arsenal since their interest became clear.
A move to work under Guardiola is not something Rice would turn his nose up at – but the preference is to stay in the capital. Rice, who grew up in West London before moving east when joining West Ham at 14, has a young family and is very close with his parents and siblings. His father works as his agent while his two brothers deal with commercial opportunities.
Arsenal’s second bid, which was £75million before £15million in add-ons was dismissed with West Ham wanting a package worth over £100million. The Gunners are expected to return with a third offer, though leaving room for an approach from City would suit West Ham’s efforts to drive the price up.
Co-owner David Sullivan admitted following their Europa Conference League win that Rice had played his final game for the club. But he’s adamant that they will get an acceptable fee for their star man.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag is also a fan of Rice though they are yet to formally register their interest.
City are looking to bolster their midfield following the departure of captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is joining Barcelona as a free agent. The champions have agreed a £25million deal with Chelsea to sign Mateo Kovacic but could still add further.
West Ham manager David Moyes has long been keen on City’s Kalvin Phillips and may look to include the former Leeds midfielder in any deal for Rice. Phillips, however, has stated his desire to stay at The Etihad despite a disappointing first season with the club.
West Ham are in talks over a £50million move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha to replace Rice. Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, meanwhile, is also being considered.
Source: thesun.co.uk
