EXCLUSIVE: Declan Rice still set to join Arsenal despite Man City interest

Steve Kay

Updated: 26 Jun 2023 07:33 BST
2 min read

Declan Rice, West Ham, Man City, Arsenal — © ProShots

Declan Rice is still set to join Arsenal this summer, despite increased movement from Manchester City, FootballTransfers understands.

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Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Rice, who is pushing to complete a move to the Gunners.

Arsenal have been in negotiations with West Ham for Rice for some time now over a transfer fee and have already had two bids rejected.

A third bid is expected in the coming days which should be closer to the £100 million asking price of West Ham.

With Arsenal still not closing the deal, there have been increasing reports in recent days that Manchester City will hijack the transfer with a monster three-figure offer of their own.

However, FootballTransfers has learned that Arsenal are still well in the driving seat and Rice is expected to complete a move to the Emirates.

Indeed, City have made it clear to Rice’s camp that they will only table an official bid if Rice makes it clear he wants to join City over Arsenal.

Those assurances have not been given as of yet, with the belief that the England midfielder only wants Arsenal.

This was a reason why Bayern Munich pulled out of the race to sign Rice as they learned that the 24-year-old wanted Arsenal over the German champions.

Arsenal busy on transfer market

Arsenal are very busy on the transfer market currently as they are in negotiations for three big-name players.

Kai Havertz will officially complete his transfer to Arsenal in the coming days having agreed a £65m move from Chelsea.

The Gunners are also in negotiations to sign Jurrien Timber from Ajax. Arsenal will table a second bid for the player in the coming days and have already agreed personal terms.

Arsenal are looking to strengthen early in the transfer window as they aim to bolster a squad that finished second in the Premier League to Man City in 2022-23.