Manchester City appear to be one step ahead of their rivals in the race for the services of talented West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. The player is also a target of Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal, but the "citizens" are ready to go to the end of their interest, even if it will translate into a fierce financial struggle.
Rice is one of the most sought-after midfielders these days, as he has won the status of the starter in the English national team. However, his contract with West Ham expires in the summer of 2024 and in all likelihood Rice will choose a new destination to continue his career. Despite West Ham's attempts to convince him to stay, the player has refused to sign a new contract.
In this situation, the London club is thought to be asking over 100 million pounds for Rice's services, and despite the stratospheric amount, it seems that there will be a fight for the Englishman's card again. Manchester City is the favorite team, not only because of the financial potential that the club possesses, but also considering the potential departures that will happen in the summer. Among them are believed to be Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Kalvin Phillips. This opens the door to the possibility of Rice moving to the Etihad. The midfielder is also inclined to seriously consider the offer, since the starting place is more guaranteed in case of departures.
Regarding Arsenal, it cannot be said for sure whether the Londoners are willing to pay the amount demanded by West Ham for Rice. Meanwhile, the Manchester United board is no longer equally motivated to bring the midfielder to Old Trafford, after the transfer of Casemiro, who has given the "Red Devils" enough security.
Liverpool remain focused on Jude Bellingham as their main target, while Chelsea have spent huge sums of money in the last 2 markets, and are still unsure whether to make another big investment in midfield following the approach of Enzo Fernandez.
