Man City ‘seek assurances from Declan Rice’ that he wants to join them this summer

Manchester City will seek assurances from Declan Rice that he wants to join Man City before making a bid for the West Ham midfielder. 

Rice had been expected to sign for Arsenal once the summer transfer window opened, but so far the Gunners have been unsuccessful in the two offers for the 24-year-old.

Their latest offer of £75million plus £15million in add-ons was rejected by the Hammers, who are holding out for their £100million valuation of the player. 

Arsenal’s dalliance in not offering the full asking price for Rice has opened the door for Manchester City to join the race for his signature. 

However, before they put in a bid, the Sunday Mirror are reporting that they want assurances from the England star that he wants to be part of Pep Guardiola’s plans. 

Manchester City want to make sure Rice is keen on a move to the Etihad before bidding 

Pep Guardiola wants to add Rice to his talented squad with Ilkay Gundogan set to leave 

It is thought that Rice favours a move to the Emirates, yet that preference came before City declared their interest in adding him to their treble-winning squad. 

Guardiola’s side are expected to lose Ilkay Gundogan from their squad after the expiry of his contract, but are closing in on a deal to sign Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic. 

Despite that signing, and already boasting Rodri and Kalvin Phillips in the midfield positions, they are keen to add Rice to their ranks. 

Arsenal have already had two bids rejected by West Ham for Rice as they hold out for £100m 

Over the weekend Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked about his pursuit of Rice in an interview with Marca. 

However, he refused to comment on the situation by stating: ‘I can’t talk about players who are not in the club. I prefer not to say anything.’ 

West Ham are keen to get the situation resolved and are keen to encourage their London rivals to make a third bid for their skipper, as well as hoping Man City enter the race.