Manchester City all set to hijack Arsenal midfield target Declan Rice

Manchester City did not only rival Arsenal to defeat them in the Premier League title race but are also looking forward to rivaling the Gunners for Declan Rice

After a dull start to the summer transfer window 2023, the Premier League clubs are bracing themselves for a bidding war. The clubs are vying for the signature of midfielders and Declan Rice have been one of the prominent midfielders whose name is making rounds. According to recent reports by prominent transfer journalists, Manchester City are all set to hijack the Arsenal transfer target, Declan Rice.

The report read:

"Manchester City are expected to make an opening offer for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice on Thursday.(Via: The Athletic)"

Arsenal’s Declan Rice pursuit

With the summer transfer window in full swing, Arsenal had emerged as frontrunners in the pursuit of West Ham United’s star midfielder, Declan Rice. The Gunners wasted no time in expressing their intentions, recently tabling a monumental offer that shattered their club-record transfer fee. The formal bid, amounting to a staggering £90 million, comprised a fixed fee of £75 million, supplemented by an additional £15 million in performance-based add-ons.

Despite Arsenal’s ambitious proposal, the Hammers opted to rebuff the offer, citing concerns over the feasibility of the add-on conditions. Nevertheless, there are indications that Mikel Arteta’s team is edging closer to reaching a mutually agreeable final figure for the 24-year-old midfielder’s services.

Manchester City breezing through in the summer

After winning the most coveted treble, Manchester City are moving quickly in the summer transfer window. They have already secured the services of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea in a deal worth £30 million while placing the bid for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. With Gundogan departing and Bernardo Silva linked with an exit, Manchester City are eyeing to swoop in Declan Rice.

What next for Arsenal?

It is not the first time where Manchester City are entering a bidding war late with the potential to secure the services. They did with Jack Grealish in the past and Declan Rice might not be a surprise. Before things go haywire, Arsenal must swiftly intensify their efforts to secure Rice’s services before the situation escalates further. Alternatively, they should explore alternative viable targets such as Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo to reinforce their squad.

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