The battle for Declan Rice: A tale of two cities…Declan Rice: The coveted prize of the summer
EPL INDEX
In an intensely fierce transfer saga, it has been reported by David Ornstein in The Athletic that Premier League champions, Manchester City, have made a robust play for West Ham United’s talisman, Declan Rice. They are rivaling North London outfit Arsenal in their pursuit of the formidable midfielder, with both clubs understanding the calibre of player on offer.
A club record bid by Arsenal, amassing to £90million — a sum of £75m with a further £15m in add-ons — was previously rebuffed by the Hammers. Arsenal’s failed advance has paved the way for Manchester City to swoop in with a formal offer of an initial £80million, sweetened with a further £10m in add-ons.
The Irreplaceable Hammer
Rice, who debuted for West Ham in 2017, has matured into an influential figure in the Premier League landscape. With an impressive 245 appearances for the club, the West Ham captain’s contract is set to run out in 2024, and includes an option for a one-year extension. However, following their triumph in the Europa Conference League, West Ham chairman David Sullivan expressed that he anticipated the England international had worn the claret and blue for the last time, stating the player “wanted to go”.
The stakes are high, as both Manchester City and Arsenal see in Rice the capacity to fill pivotal roles in their midfield. He is an expert disruptor of opposition attacks, as adept at wresting the ball away as he is at driving it up the field, flipping defensive play into a potent counterattack. His unrivalled anticipation, timing and decision-making skills — seemingly innate — have propelled him into the ranks of Europe’s finest.
A Summer of Decisions
Manchester City are understood to be wrapping up a deal for Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic, following Ilkay Gundogan’s confirmed transfer to Barcelona. However, securing Rice’s signature would undoubtedly represent the crown jewel of City’s summer business.
The battle for Declan Rice promises to be an engaging subplot throughout the summer transfer window. Will Manchester City win the race, adding yet another world-class talent to their ranks? Or will Arsenal turn the tide, securing a player who can redefine their midfield? Time, and Rice’s decision, will answer these questions.
