Arsenal could miss out on signing West Ham captain Declan Rice after Manchester City revived their interest in the England midfielder, according to a new report
Man City are interested in signing Declan Rice
Manchester City have reportedly revived their pursuit of Declan Rice in a huge blow to Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.
The 24-year-old West Ham captain is widely expected to leave the club in the summer in order to fulfil his dream of winning trophies and playing Champions League football.
Premier League leaders Arsenal in recent weeks have been named as frontrunners to sign the England international at the end of the season.
The Times claimed Mikel Arteta has made Rice, who has two years left on his deal, his top summer target while “growing confident” of a deal being agreed.
But 90min now report the Gunners’ pursuit is set to be hijacked by none other than their title rivals City. City have long been linked with a move for Rice, who previously cited club legend Yaya Toure as an idol.
Mikel Arteta could miss out on his main summer target
Despite trailing Arsenal in the league, the reigning English champions still possess considerable pull in the transfer market. And with Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips’ futures all uncertain, the wealthy Abu Dhabi-owned club may look to splash out on Rice as a replacement come summer.
Rice’s former club Chelsea have also been named as a potential destination, with the midfielder’s best friend Mason Mount also currently playing for the Blues.
Declan Rice is one of the most highly-sought midfield talents in the world
But Chelsea’s poor performances in the league suggest they could miss out on Champions League qualification, which is potentially a huge deciding factor in Rice’s next move.
That would make City one of the favourites to secure his signature. Yet the deal could still be jeopardised if City are unable to escape punishment from the Premier League for their alleged breach of financial regulations.
source:dailystar
