Declan Rice transfer: Hefty Man City bid to arrive ‘in hours’ as Arsenal hopes crumble and Guardiola acts on Barcelona raid

Manchester City are steamrollering their way to the front of the Declan Rice transfer queue with a bid to be lodged for the West Ham skipper later today and matching the Hammers’ asking price for the England star.

The future of the 24-year-old midfielder is one of the hot topics of the summer with a move away from West Ham on the cards. Indeed, after leading the Hammers to UEFA Conference League glory, the win over Fiorentina in Prague looks a fitting way to bow out.

To that end, Rice has made clear his wish to take his career to the next level by moving to a Champions League side.

As a result, Arsenal have, for several weeks now, been strongly linked with a move for the player. As one of the Premier League’s elite midfielders, he will command one of the biggest transfer fees of all time. And it is no surprise to see West Ham pointing to the £105.6m record fee paid by Chelsea to Benfica for Enzo Fernandez as a pointer.

And we exclusively revealed earlier this week how the Hammers are warning Arsenal not to waste their time by trying to strike a bid for lower than his asking price.

However, that has not stopped Arsenal from trying their luck.

Indeed, their initial approach, worth around £80m, was quickly waved away.

A second offer for Rice was subsequently made this week. And with a downpayment of around £75m, paid in four installments, bonuses and add-ons would have taken the deal through the £90m mark.

The Hammers, though, stood true to their word and instantly waved away their second approach.

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Fabrizio Romano reveals Man City move in on Declan Rice transfer

Now that hestitancy looks set to bite them on their behinds in light of a bumper offer from Manchester City.

And according to multiple reports, City are expected to lodge a concrete offer for Rice in ‘the next few hours’. Furthermore, they are reportedly willing to submit an offer which will ‘better’ Arsenal’s. And if that matches the fee West Ham are craving, then Arsenal have a problem.

Picking up on their transfer plans, Fabrizio Romano claims City first contacted West Ham last Friday. And, in asking to be kept informed of developments, they watched from afar with Arsenal seeing two bids fail.

Now, in light of Arsenal seeing a second bid turned down, City have decided to make their move.

Furthermore, City have already checked in with Rice’s entourage to see if he’s willing to move north. To that end, some reports have stated Rice is keen to remain close to his family ties in London.

However, City have been told that Rice, at this stage, is ruling nothing out and is open to all moves.

As a result, Arsenal are planning to raise their bid again. However, City’s no-nonsense approach certainly puts them in a more favourable light at this stage.

Rice to replace Gundogan at Man City

The approach from City comes after Pep Guardiola gave the move the greenlight.

And the bid for the England man comes in the wake of Ilkay Gundogan’s impending move to Barcelona. With the German’s deal expiring, City had made a big play to keep him at the Etihad.

However, Gundogan has opted to move to Barcelona for one final career challenge. And while he leaves a sizeable hole to fill, Guardiola is honing in on Rice as his first-choice successor.

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