Arsenal or Man City? Declan makes his choice clear pro games with England in Euro Qualifiers

Arsenal transfer news: Declan Rice would prefer to join the Gunners over Man City

West Ham captain Declan Rice still has his heart set on a move to Arsenal despite Manchester City entering the race to sign him, according to reports. The Gunners are set to make a second offer for the England international after seeing their opening bid rejected.

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West Ham turned down an offer from Arsenal of £80million plus add-ons on Thursday. The east London club are holding out for a fee in the region of £100m including add-ons.

Arsenal have been confident of completing a deal for Rice for several months. However, they have never been the only club interested in signing him.

Manchester United and Chelsea maintain an interest, while Bayern Munich have conceded it is very unlikely they would be able to lure him away from the Premier League. But reports that City are now keen on the 24-year-old struck fear through Arsenal supporters.

However, those fears have since been eased somewhat. The Guardian claims Rice is still determined to join the Gunners despite the treble-winners making their interest known.

The report says Arsenal are set to make a second offer nearer to West Ham’s valuation. The first proposal was spread across a number of years and included what West Ham felt were unrealistic add-ons.

West Ham’s position would be strengthened by more clubs entering a bidding war. City would likely be able to offer a better financial package than Arsenal.

However, it is claimed Rice is still expected to make the move to the Emirates. He would prefer to remain in London after becoming a father last year.

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Rice is said to be an admirer of the style of football Mikel Arteta plays. He would also be more guaranteed of a starting spot at Arsenal than at City.

Arsenal are in the market for midfield recruitment, with Granit Xhaka set to leave for Bayer Leverkusen. Rice has always been their top target since interest emerged at the turn of the year.

They attempted to sign Brighton’s Moises Caicedo in January, seeing bids of up to £70m rejected. Caicedo has remained a target heading into the summer window.

However, Arsenal have now pulled out of the race for the Ecuador international as they focus all their attention on Rice. Caicedo could be now set for Chelsea, while Arsenal also pursue a deal for Blues forward Kai Havertz who is valued at around £60m.