Declan Rice remains keen to join Arsenal despite Manchester City planning to enter the race to sign the West Ham midfielder. Arsenal’s first two bids for Rice have been rejected, leaving Mikel Arteta at risk of missing out on his top target. City have the financial wherewithal to meet West Ham’s asking price of at least £100m, and it would be hard for the 24-year-old to turn down the chance to play for Pep Guardiola.
Rice spoke to Guardiola towards the end of last season and City are planning for life without Ilkay Gündogan, who has decided to join Barcelona on a free transfer. However, the treble winners are not short of options in central midfield. They are close to signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and have Rodri and Kalvin Phillips to play in central midfield.
