Man City's mega bid for top Arsenal transfer target rejected

The transfer race between last season’s Premier League title contenders for Declan Rice has hit another stumbling block.

Manchester City’s pursuit of Declan Rice has hit a roadblock. West Ham have rejected their first bid of £80 million plus £10 million in add-ons. The Hammers are holding out for at least £100 million in guaranteed payments for the midfielder. This comes just a week after Arsenal had their own bid rejected.

According to Sky Sports, West Ham didn’t hesitate, they ‘immediately’ said no to City’s proposal. Now all eyes will be back on Arsenal. The Gunners have already seen two club-record bids fall on deaf ears, but still intend to make a third offer.

The Citizens have intensified their interest in Rice following Ilkay Gundogan’s departure to Barcelona on a free transfer. While City wanted the German midfielder to stay, they didn’t meet his demands and only offered a two-year contract. Barca swooped in with a more attractive offer of a two-year deal with the option of a third.

City have already secured the signing of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic for £30 million and are eager to add Rice to their squad. However, there are still questions surrounding the futures of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Kalvin Phillips. Rumor has it that West Ham may take a shine to Phillips if he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.

Despite their £100 million stance, the Irons do expect Rice to leave this summer. The England international has one year left on his contract at the London Stadium, but the Hammers do hold an option to extend his deal for another year.