Manchester City have officially lodged a bid for West Ham United’s captain, Declan Rice, According to The Athletic.
The Premier League champions have formally offered an initial £80 million, with an extra £10 million in add-ons, in hopes of securing Rice’s signature this summer.
The Race for Rice
Manchester City’s move comes after Arsenal had a club-record proposal worth up to £90 million (comprising a £75 million fee and £15 million in add-ons) turned down by their Premier League rivals earlier this month. This rejection has opened the door for City to make their move. Arsenal, however, are continuing their pursuit of the West Ham midfielder.
Quote from Pep Guardiola
In a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s manager, was quoted saying, “We are always looking to improve our squad and bring in players who can add value. Declan is a fantastic player, and we believe he can make a significant contribution to our team.”
Rice’s Future at West Ham
Rice’s contract at West Ham expires in 2024, with an option for a one-year extension. However, West Ham chairman David Sullivan expressed after the club’s Europa Conference League triumph that he expected the England international to have played his last game for the club, adding that Rice “wanted to go”.
