Manchester City’s pursuit of Declan Rice has hit a roadblock as their initial bid for the midfielder has been rejected by West Ham, according to sources. City offered £80 million ($102m) plus an additional £10m in add-ons, but West Ham is holding out for at least £100m in guaranteed payments.
This comes after Arsenal’s bid of £75m plus £15m in add-ons was also rejected last week. Manchester United has also shown interest in Rice, but there are doubts about whether they can meet West Ham’s valuation.
City’s interest in Rice has intensified following Ilkay Gundogan’s decision to join Barcelona on a free transfer. The Premier League champions were keen to keep Gundogan but were only willing to offer a two-year contract, while Barcelona offered a two-year deal with the option of a third. City was also reluctant to meet Gundogan’s wage demands, given his age.
City has already secured a £30m deal for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic but is eager to add Rice to their squad. However, there are uncertainties surrounding the futures of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Kalvin Phillips. West Ham is reportedly interested in Phillips if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
West Ham expects Rice to leave this summer but has remained firm in their demands for at least £100m. Rice has one year left on his contract at the London Stadium, but West Ham holds an option to extend his deal by another year. The debate now continues as to whether Rice will end up at Arsenal or Manchester City, with both clubs determined to secure his services.
How has Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona impacted Manchester City’s pursuit of Declan Rice
Manchester City’s pursuit of Declan Rice has hit a major obstacle as their first offer for the midfielder has been turned down by West Ham, according to sources. City had proposed a deal worth £80 million ($102m), with an additional £10 million in add-ons, but West Ham is insisting on at least £100 million in guaranteed payments.
This setback for City follows Arsenal’s unsuccessful bid of £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons last week. Manchester United has also expressed interest in Rice, but doubts linger as to whether they can meet West Ham’s valuation.
City’s interest in Rice has grown even stronger after Ilkay Gundogan’s decision to join Barcelona on a free transfer. The Premier League champions had hoped to keep Gundogan, but were only willing to offer him a two-year contract, while Barcelona presented a two-year deal with an option for a third year. Additionally, City was hesitant to meet Gundogan’s wage demands due to his age.
While City has already secured a £30 million deal for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, they are eager to add Rice to their squad. However, the futures of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Kalvin Phillips remain uncertain. If any of these players decide to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer, West Ham is reportedly interested in signing Phillips.
It is widely expected that Rice will leave West Ham this summer, but the club remains resolute in their demand for at least £100 million. Rice currently has one year left on his contract at the London Stadium, with West Ham holding an option to extend it for another year. The debate now revolves around whether Rice will ultimately join Arsenal or Manchester City, as both clubs are determined to secure his services.
It’s clear that West Ham values Declan Rice highly, as they have rejected initial offers from two big clubs. This shows the club’s determination to keep hold of their talented midfielder, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal and Manchester City come back with improved bids.
It’s clear that West Ham values Declan Rice highly, and rightly so. Rejecting initial bids from Arsenal and Manchester City showcases their determination to keep hold of their talented midfielder. It’ll be interesting to see if either club comes back with an improved offer.