Manchester City are ‘close’ to signing Declan Rice from West Ham despite his preference to join Arsenal instead, according to reports.
Sky in Italy report that Premier League champions City are growing confident of hijacking Arsenal’s move for the England international.
The Gunners have seen two bids rejected for the 24-year-old – who is their top transfer target this summer – with Arsenal failing to meet West Ham’s price tag.
The Hammers want £100m to part ways with Rice and it was thought that Pep Guardiola’s side were plotting their first offer to sign him before news emerged that they were close to an agreement.
Rice himself is thought to favour a move to Arsenal despite City’s advancements over a deal, according to the Guardian.
Manchester United have also been linked with Rice and have offered £40m plus two players for his services.
But it appears to be a straight shootout between Arsenal and City and it will be a massive blow to Mikel Arteta if the Gunners miss out on Rice this summer.
Arteta is believed to be a ‘huge fan’ of Rice – having already made plans regarding where he would fit in his system at the Emirates.
The north Londoners were confident of completing a move but as City grow closer to a deal, it is undoubtedly a worry for the Premier League runners-up before they submit their third bid.
If Arsenal miss out on Rice they may decide to target a different midfielder, with the Gunners linked to Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
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