Man City prepare opening bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice

Declan Rice has caused another serious battle between Arsenal and Man City.

Man City prepare opening bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice

Stephen Oladehinde 12:32 - 22.06.2023

Manchester City are set to make a bid for Declan Rice this week following the departure of Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona according to reports.

The Blues are looking for a replacement for their talisman Ilkay Gundogan who left for Barcelona as they look to hijack the Declan Rice deal from Arsenal’s grasp.

Arsenal have seen two of their opening bids for Rice rejected by West Ham who are asking for a better-structured deal from the Gunners.

The London club now believes that a bid for Rice is about to come in, and City are considering making an official offer for the captain of the Hammers.

West Ham star player Declan Rice
West Ham star player Declan Rice

City looking to replace Gundogan with Rice

As captain Ilkay Gundogan completes his transfer to Barcelona, Man City are currently looking to bolster their midfield.

A two-year contract will be signed by Gundogan at the Nou Camp once his City contract expires, according to Daily Mail’s report.

Guardiola has been forced to search the transfer market for a replacement midfielder after City struggled to keep their captain, but he ultimately decided to leave after completing a historic Treble.

They have now set sight on Arsenal's number one target Declan Rice as his replacement and are preparing a bid for him.

However, Man City will throw a full throttle on this deal if Rice assures them that he is willing to join the club.

Arsenal to make third bid for Rice

Arsenal’s first and second bids worth £80 million and £90 million respectively were rejected by West Ham and they are prepared to make a third bid for the England star.

Being involved in a bidding battle is disappointing because Rice has indicated that he would like to go with the Gunners, and it is anticipated that Arsenal will make a third offer for their top target.

Arsenal's second offer, according to Daily Mail on Tuesday, would be worth at least £90 million, with additional performance-related bonuses bringing the total to close to £100 million.

However, Hammers chairman David Sullivan did not value the player at the same level as the Gunners' most recent offer.

Following the rejection of their initial £90 million approach, Arsenal will submit a third bid for the England international.