The resumption of Manchester City’s pursuit of Declan Rice is a devastating blow to Arsenal’s summer transfer aspirations.
The 24-year-old West Ham captain is largely anticipated to depart the club in the summer to pursue his aim of winning trophies and competing in the Champions League.
In recent weeks, Premier League leaders Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to recruit the England international at the end of the season.
The Times reported that Mikel Arteta has named Rice, whose contract has two years remaining, his top summer goal and is “becoming optimistic” that a deal can be reached.
But, 90min reports that the Gunners’ pursuit will be derailed by their championship rivals City. Rice, who has previously mentioned Yaya Toure as his idol, has been linked with a move to City for some time.
Although lagging Arsenal in the league standings, the defending English champions still wield significant transfer market influence. With the unclear futures of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Kalvin Phillips, the wealthy Abu Dhabi-owned club may try to replace them with Rice in the summer.
Rice’s former club Chelsea has also been mentioned as a possible destination, with Rice’s best pal Mason Mount currently playing for the Blues.
However Chelsea’s dismal achievements in the league suggest that they may not qualify for the Champions League, which could be a deciding factor in Rice’s future move.
That would make City one of the frontrunners to sign him. Yet, the transaction could be jeopardized if City cannot avoid sanction from the Premier League for their alleged violation of financial standards.
»Man City also interested in Arsenal target Declan Rice«