Rob DawsonReporter3 minutes to read
Declan Rice’s future: Arsenal or Manchester City?
ESPN FC’s staff debated where Declan Rice would move after Arsenal and Manchester City, initial bids for the midfielder were rejected.
City stepped up their pursuit of the England midfielder on Monday with an offer of 80 million pounds ($102 million) plus a further 10 million pounds in add-ons. However, sources have told ESPN that West Ham have rescinded the bid and are holding out for at least £100m in guaranteed payments.
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Arsenal’s offer of £75m plus £15m in add-ons was rejected last week. Manchester United have also shown interest in Rice, but there are doubts as to whether they can come close to West Ham’s valuation.
City confirmed their interest in Rays following Ilkay Gundogan’s decision to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
The Premier League champions were keen for Gundogan to stay but they were only willing to offer a two-year contract – Barcelona offered a two-year deal with an option for a third. They were also reluctant to meet Germany’s international wage demand given that he will turn 33 in October.
City have already secured a £30m deal for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, but are also keen to add Rice to the squad.
Doubts remain about the futures of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Calvin Phillips. West Ham, according to the sources, is one of the clubs interested in Phillips if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
West Ham expects Rice to leave this summer but has so far stuck to its demands for at least £100m. There is one year left on his contract at the London Stadium, but West Ham also have an option to extend his deal by another year.
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