There have been two major developments in West Ham and Arsenal negotiations over Declan Rice and it’s bad news for Man City.
The battle between Arsenal and Manchester City to sign Declan Rice from West Ham has been making all the headlines in the early days of the summer transfer window.
After months of speculation Arsenal submitted a formal bid for the Hammers captain on Thursday.
But it was miles short of the valuation and rejected out of hand by West Ham as reports emerge that Manchester City are now lurking with serious intent.
That news has gone down like a lead balloon among Arsenal supporters.
Because they know only too well that when Man City want a player, they usually get him.
Two major developments in West Ham and Arsenal negotiations over Declan Rice and it’s bad news for Man City
Speculation has been intensifying that Man City are preparing to make an offer to try and beat the Gunners to West Ham’s talisman.
With the futures of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips all uncertain at the Etihad, there is every chance Pep Guardiola is genuinely in the thick of the tussle for Rice.
A West Ham board source yesterday told Claret and Hugh that the Hammers are ruling nothing out when it comes to deals with clubs which include a player swap.
Speculation has suggested Arsenal could offer Emile Smith Rowe as part of their deal for Rice. And the same type of deal has been mooted between Man City and West Ham with longstanding David Moyes target Phillips going the other way.
Rice has heart set on Gunners but no ESR swap ahead of second bid
But there have been two major developments in West Ham and Arsenal negotiations over Rice and it’s bad news for Man City.
The first development comes via The Express which claims Rice has his heart set on a move to Arsenal despite Manchester City entering the race to sign him.
And the second is that Smith Rowe will not be included in any deal with the Hammers. That’s according to The Daily Mail which claims the midfielder is set to stay with the Gunners after receiving assurances he is part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
Meanwhile Sky Sports transfer reporter Dharmesh Sheth claims Arsenal are preparing a second bid which will meet West Ham’s £100m plus valuation.
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