Arsenal and Manchester City are both looking to sign West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice during the summer transfer window
Arsenal and Manchester City are currently locked in an intense battle to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice.
The Gunners have already seen two offers for Rice rejected by the Hammers this month, with a third expected to follow soon. David Moyes’ team would require around £100m for their skipper.
Now City have thrown themselves into the fray. football.london learns that the Premier League champions are preparing to bid for the England international.
But one of the advantages of Mikel Arteta’s team in negotiations is the fact that they are based in London, where Rice was born and raised.
Speaking to Gary Neville on last year’s The Overlap Extra, the talented midfielder said: “‘I’m here [Kingston] all the time. I’ve always wanted to stay near this place.’
“I feel like I don’t want to lose my roots.” Rice’s affinity with the capital could certainly prove to be a huge asset for Arteta, who has made the 24-year-old his number one target for the summer transfer window.
The Spaniard is looking to expand his options in midfield and close the gap to City, who beat his side to the title by five points last season. Arsenal remain Rice’s favorite target, football.
london understands, but if the Hammers strike a deal with Pep Guardiola and company that the Gunners cannot match, the player is open to a move to the treble winners.
