Declan Rice is already becoming the subject of one of this summer’s biggest transfer sagas.
Premier League runners-up Arsenal thought they had their man a few days ago but, as they continue to haggle over the price with West Ham, Treble-winners Manchester City look ready to move with a bid of their own.
The England midfielder, fresh off the back of becoming only the third West Ham captain to lift a trophy, looks set to become the second most expensive Englishman ever after Jack Grealish with the Hammers seemingly wanting at least £90m.
His last game for West Ham saw him lead them to the Europa Conference League crown with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina.
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The 24-year-old would likely become Arsenal’s record capture, beating Nicolas Pepe’s £75m signing, or Man City’s second-most expensive signing after Grealish.
BBC Sport’s Simon Stone said: “Arsenal, clearly, are in pole position. It is felt most of the negotiation around the transfer from a player perspective is done.
“Man City’s interest is real though, even if, with Rodri, Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips, they are not exactly short of central midfield options, despite the departure of Ilkay Gundogan for Barcelona. It would be easy, for instance, to see David Moyes being interested in Phillips, even though the England man says he is committed to City.
“Arsenal’s problem is this; they can feel confident in their position, continue to chip away at West Ham and hope eventually, the answer is ‘yes’. But that comes with risk. What if Pep Guardiola makes a persuasive pitch? Would Rice really turn down the Treble winners, who have the ability to pay more than Arsenal because they generate more income?
“It is easy to dismiss the current situation as [West Ham] owner David Sullivan trying to drive up the price of a player he knows is leaving. However, for Arsenal, the stakes are high – and they need to get their reaction right.”
Losing Rice to their title rivals would clearly be a big blow for the Gunners, but why is he in such demand and where would he fit best?