Manchester City set to battle Arsenal for Declan Rice

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 12:39 - 15 June 2023

Arsenal and Manchester City target Declan Rice

Arsenal appeared to be the only club left in the Declan Rice sweepstakes but Manchester City are preparing to make a last-minute bid for the West Ham midfielder.

Arsenal make opening bid for Rice

Arsenal have finally made an opening bid for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as Mikel Arteta looks to swoop in on his number one target.

The Gunners have been in talks to sign the England midfielder for several weeks and have finally made a formal approach.

Arsenal executive Tim Lewis and West Ham counterpart Karren Brady met at the Premier League AGM in Hampshire on Wednesday, but sporting director Edu and director of football operations Richard Garlick are leading the negotiations.

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Manchester City firmly in the Declan Rice picture

However, Premier League Champions Manchester City have now firmly entered the race to sign the 24-year-old according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

🚨 EXCL: Arsenal have made opening offer to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. Tim Lewis & Karren Brady held talks at PL AGM (though Edu + Richard Garlick leading process). Man City now actively exploring own approach for 24yo @TheAthleticFC #WHUFC #AFC #MCFC https://t.co/pAYw3zTU7t
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 15, 2023

Man City’s interest could be explained by the potential departure of Ilkay Gundogan and possibly Bernardo Silva this summer. In which case, Pep Guardiola will be seeking top level midfield reinforcements.