Declan Rice transfer latest: Man Utd & Man City ‘considering’ move as Arsenal offer rejected

Declan Rice is quickly becoming one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, with the West Ham United star expected to complete a move away from East London.

The midfielder, who guided the Hammers’ to European glory in what was probably his last appearance for the club, is reportedly a target for Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

It’s the Gunners who have pushed hardest for Rice’s signature and saw a second bid rejected on Tuesday, believed to be an initial £75m with £15m in add-ons. As per the Daily Mail, Arsenal will return with a third offer soon, while West Ham are holding out for an offer of around £100m for the England international.

It has been widely reported that Rice wants to join Arsenal, but the two Manchester clubs are hoping to change his mind. As per the Telegraph, United could make a cash-plus-player bid for the 24-year-old, with Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay offered as part of the deal, two players David Moyes is a ‘huge admirer’ of.

“It is understood Maguire’s wage expectations may prohibit a move to West Ham – if he could be persuaded to accept the transfer – while it remains to be seen whether McTominay would be enthusiastic about making the switch,” claim the Telegraph, who add West Ham are considering a move for James Ward-Prowse as Rice’s replacement.

As for City, The Athletic claim the treble-winners would be interested in a move for the Hammers’ skipper if Ilkay Gundogan departs. Just a few hours after that report, it emerged that the German international is set to join Barcelona, a transfer which could be confirmed in the coming days.

“City have enquired about Rice as a contingency plan, there has been no final decision,” The Athletic state, while adding Kalvin Phillips could be offered to West Ham as a makeweight in any transfer, despite the ex-Leeds United man confirming on Monday that he wants to remain at the Etihad.

Meanwhile, City are also expected to wrap up the signing of Mateo Kovacic soon, with the Croatian joining from Chelsea to bolster Pep Guardiola’s midfield options.