Declan Rice keen for Arsenal to improve £90m bid to seal Emirates switch but remains open to Man City transfer
DECLAN RICE is waiting on Arsenal to increase their bid as the transfer tug of war with Manchester City rumbles on.
Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners saw an opening £90million approach for Rice rejected by West Ham.
City had entered the race on Monday night with an £80m offer, plus £10m in add-ons.
Arsenal have seen two bids, the second also worth a club-record £90m — £75m up front plus £15m in add-ons — turned down.
But the pressure is now back on the Gunners to make a third offer for the England midfielder, 24, and hit West Ham’s valuation of £106m.
City will react to Arsenal’s next attempt but SunSport understands Rice’s preferred destination is still North London.
However, Rice — who is currently on holiday — would be open to moving to the North.
SunSport understand Arsenal are planning a third bid for the midfielder almost 24 hours after City’s offer was rejected.
The England international is manager Mikel Arteta’s priority signing this summer.
And Rice is bound to move after turning down a bumper new contract from West Ham.
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And following the Hammers’ success in the Europa Conference League, co-owner David Sullivan confirmed he would be leaving.
City boss Pep Guardiola is said to view Rice as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona.
But Guardiola has also signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea to boost his midfield.