Arsenal and Manchester City's intense battle for Declan Rice looks set to significantly develop in the coming days. On Monday evening, West Ham received Man City's opening proposal to sign Rice worth £80million up front and £10million available in add-ons, however the Premier League champions were handed the same outcome that Arsenal received with the Hammers rejecting the bid.
At a quick glance, the offer from Etihad Stadium doesn't appear that different to Arsenal's recently rebuffed package deal, but football.london understands that the Citizens' offered more upfront compared to the north Londoners whilst also paying in fewer instalments and providing what the Hammers feel would be more more achievable add-ons. Nonetheless, it was still turned down, likely because both interested parties are yet to reach the £100million mark.
Emirates Stadium remains the 24-year-old's preference and football.london understands that the Gunners will beat Man City to Rice if they either table an offer that exceeds his triple-figure asking price or one which guarantees a significant fee to be paid upfront.
Despite lodging an official bid for Rice, Man City are also in negotiations to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Personal terms have already been agreed, but talks over a final fee with the German club are set to take place over the coming week. The Croatia international has a £95million release clause that becomes active next summer and it is being reported that Leipzig are demanding that any deal done this year reaches a similar mark.
Having already parted ways with £30million to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea, it remains to be seen if Man City have the financial capability to pull off all three moves. Rice is viewed as a suitable Ilkay Gundogan replacement by Pep Guardiola after he signed for Barcelona at the end of his contract, but the advantage still appears to be with the Gunners.
According to the Guardian, Rice is waiting for Arsenal to send an improved bid after Man City's offer was not accepted by West Ham. The Gunners losing out on Rice, especially to a main rival, would be pretty catastrophic given the ground work done in preparation for the summer window by the club.
READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Declan Rice stance, Jurrien Timber 'confirmed', Caicedo hope
A new interview with Spanish outlet Marca saw manager Mikel Arteta questioned on numerous transfer topics which included a question on Rice. "I can't talk about players who are not in the club," Arteta responded after being asked if the England international was worth the fee being demanded by the Hammers. "I prefer not to say anything."
Signing the England international is Arteta's summer priority, as football.london understands, but two deals appear much closer to being confirmed.
Kai Havertz completed his medical over the weekend which will see him move to Arsenal from Chelsea in a £65million deal with an official announcement expected soon. Ajax's Jurrien Timber is also getting closer to a north London switch after an improved proposal worth in the region of £40million was sent, with personal terms already agreed.
