Man City to hijack Declan Rice deal after Gundogan departure

Manchester City set to hijack Declan Rice deal from Arsenal after Gundogan's departure. Transfer battle intensifies.

Declan Rice is a subject of interest from Manchester City after Ilkay Gundogan switched to Barcelona on Wednesday. (Photo credit: BBC)

Arsenal fans must be in panic mode now after news surfaced on Thursday of Manchester City’s imminent bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice.

Arsenal have already had two bids rejected by the Hammers since the transfer window opened.

And that was due to the structure of payment, with West Ham asking for two installments at most, but the Gunners would rather spread payment over a few seasons.

Reports suggest that Manchester City will rival Arsenal with a similar figure of bid but with a payment structure that meets what the Hammers want, thereby blowing Arsenal out of the water in the race for the top midfielder.

Manchester City have decided to bid for Declan Rice after calling West Ham last Friday to be informed 🚨🔵 #MCFC

Man City also checked player’s side — understand Rice is open to any move so deal depends on the clubs now.

Arsenal, planning to bid again since last week. ⚪️🔴 #AFC pic.twitter.com/wdHsnlerii

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 22, 2023

The Premier League champions saw Ilkay Gundogan walk through the exit door on Wednesday after a deal for a free transfer was announced for the German international to Barcelona.

And as things stand, Bernardo Silva could be on his way out of the club as well.

This leaves City a little thin in the middle, and Pep Guardiola has identified Rice as a worthy replacement as the treble champions want more silverware in the coming season.

What is left of Arsenal’s hopes for the Three Lions midfielder remains to be seen.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is a name Arsenal have been linked with in the past.

But with Thomas Partey attracting interest from the likes of Juventus and some Saudi Arabian clubs, Arsenal might need to do things the hard way in the market.