Manchester City are expected to challenge Arsenal for the signature of West Ham captain Declan Rice, according to reports in the English media.
The Gunners have already had an £80m bid for the 24-year-old rejected by the Hammers but it appears a Premier League rival could now make their own offer for the midfielder.
Considering the antagonism between West Ham and Arsenal fanbases online, it is not a surprise that supporters on Twitter are backing Rice to make the switch to the Etihad:
Music to the ears
— Alf (@WincklessAlfie) June 15, 2023
Man City 🤝 West Ham
— james (@jamemcfc9) June 15, 2023
Come on city!!!
— Aguerd's Agent (@AguerdsAgent) June 15, 2023
CITYYYYYYYY DO IT 😍😍😍
— Marlemagne (@DieMaschineX) June 15, 2023
Good, I’d rather he go there! Where he’ll be appreciated
— Gary 🫧 (@GaryJames86) June 15, 2023
Would definitely do a deal with Phillips coming this way 👍
— Jarvo (@ajarv19) June 15, 2023
It’s the perfect deal!!! 🙏🏻⚒️
— Daren Game ⚒⚽️🐍🎯 (@DarenGame) June 15, 2023
Could a West Ham target be included in City’s offer for Rice?
As some fans have suggested, there is a possibility that City may include a player like Kalvin Phillips in their bid. The former Leeds star has had a difficult first year with the Premier League champions, but he is believed to be a target for the Irons.
If he is suggested as a potential makeweight in negotiations, you could see a deal being done for Rice. That, is, though, merely conjecture at this stage.
The Citizens have yet to make their move for Rice, at the time of writing, although a number of reliable sources have now confirmed that their interest in the England international is genuine.
A bidding war
City’s involvement will be welcomed by West Ham’s owners, who are looking to get the biggest fee possible for Rice. The player’s price will inevitably be a lot higher if there is an auction.
Of course, there are questions over whether Rice is keen on moving to Manchester but it would be a surprise if City made a formal offer if they weren’t given encouragement to do so from the player and his representatives.
