A section of Manchester City supporters have questioned why the club feels the need to try and sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice after reportedly making a first bid for his signature.
According to a report by The Athletic, City lodged their first official bid for the England international on Monday evening. It is claimed that the Blues have offered West Ham an overall package worth £90million, with £80m of that fee being paid up-front and the rest in add-ons.
Arsenal have, of course, identified Rice as their top midfield target this summer and have already seen two bids rejected for his signature, including a club-record offer. As reported by the Manchester Evening News just under a fortnight ago, City were exploring the prospect of making a move for the 24-year-old.
Rice is one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League after making rapid progress over the last few seasons. He has been heavily linked with a move to some of the division's biggest clubs during that time, such as the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
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This summer, however, is shaping up to be a straight shootout between City and Arsenal to sign the Hammers star, who is highly likely to leave the London Stadium. It is suggested that the Hammers want around £100m to consider letting him go.
City are already on the cusp of strengthening their midfield options after agreeing a fee with Chelsea last week to sign Croatian star Mateo Kovacic. He is poised to replace the recently departed Ilkay Gundogan, who has joined Barcelona.
With Kovacic's impending arrival in mind, some City supporters have expressed their disagreement with the club's move for Rice, suggesting that they do not need him. Some have even named alternative options that they believe would be better.
