Declan Rice ready to snub Arsenal, Manchester City now in ‘box seat’ for West Ham United star
Manchester City are confident of striking a deal for West Ham United captain Declan Rice, according to Hammers’ insiders Claret and Hugh.
Claret and Hugh report on Tuesday 27 June that the 24-year-old is ready to move to The Etihad instead of Arsenal.
Arsenal have long been tipped as Rice’s preferred destination, but Claret and Hugh claim their “sources” have suggested City have been working “overtime” in order to secure Rice’s signature.
It’s believed City are now in the “box seat” and that there is a “growing sense” that Rice is ready to snub Arsenal in favour of moving to the North West.
Hotting up
This race is really hotting up now and it feels as if City have also been lurking in the background for some time.
Arsenal’s interest has been well-documented over the course of the summer window and, for the most part, it seemed as if Rice was eager to make the move to The Emirates. However, the lure of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola cannot be underestimated.
The 24-year-old would easily become one of, if not, the best midfielder on the planet if he move to The Etihad. We’ve seen Rodri and Jack Grealish develop under the Spaniard and something similar could happen to Rice if he decides to make the move.
Most West Ham fans will be eager for Rice to make the move to The Etihad. It feels as if it’s the only transfer that could vindicate him leaving the London Stadium. Arsenal would be a step up, but, realistically, he would be winning the odd FA Cup and maybe a Europa League.
Rice could help City win another treble. The Premier League and Champions League would be genuine possibilities for the West Ham captain.