Man City are now close to a deal with West Ham, after agreeing to table their asking price for Rice as their first offer
By Kehinde Okeowo
Premier League champions, Man City are ‘close’ to hijacking a deal for West Ham’s Declan Rice from north London club and league rivals, Arsenal.
According to Sky Italy, the blue half of Manchester are growing in confidence that they can complete the deal for the England international, despite his preference to play at the Emirates.
Arsenal have seen two bids of £75m and £90m rejected by fellow London club, West Ham, but the Gunners are expected to go in with a third bid any moment from now.
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The Hammers want £100m for their priced asset, and It has now emerged that the Citizens are close to an agreement with West Ham, after showing willingness to table the amount as their first offer for the player.
Despite this, Rice himself still wants to move to the Emirates Stadium in spire of City’s advancement in talks over a deal, according to the Guardian.
Meanwhile, Man City and Arsenal are expected to be rivaled by Man United, who have also been linked with Rice and have offered £40m plus two players for his services. But, it appears it would be a straight shootout between the Gunners and the Citizens.
It will be a massive blow to Mikel Arteta, if the Gunners miss out on Rice this summer, after making him their major focus.
