Manchester City may be set to hand Arsenal a boost in the battle to sign Declan Rice.
Pep Guardiola’s side pipped the Gunners to the league title last season as part of their treble-winning campaign and have now joined the Gunners in pursuing West Ham captain Rice. Man City are yet to submit a bid but have held talks over a possible move for the England midfielder.
Arsenal have seen their second bid of £75million, plus £15million in add-ons, rejected by the Hammers, who are reportedly hoping for a fee closer to £100million. However, it appears that the Gunners could be given an easier path to landing a deal for Rice as Man City’s other transfer plans unfold.
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Pep Guardiola’s side have ‘agreed personal terms’ with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. Talks are expected to begin between the two clubs but Romano claims that Leipzig are unwilling to sell the 21-year-old for less than €100milion (£86million).
That price would see the young Croatian replace Harry Maguire as the world’s most expensive defender, while Kyle Walker has been touted with leaving the reigning champions this summer. With City already sealing a deal for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic and reportedly pursuing a world-record move for Gvardiol, it raises doubts that Pep Guardiola’s would also be willing to meet West Ham’s valuation for Rice.
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It appears that last season’s title rivals are both set for busy summers. In addition to the battle for Rice, Arsenal are nearing a deal for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and are expected to submit an improved bid for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
