Yet another twist in the transfer saga surrounding in-demand West Ham United star Declan Rice has been revealed late on Thursday night.
The subject of Rice’s future, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the media once more over the course of the day to date.
This comes after reports spread like wildfire in the media that Manchester City were ready to step up their interest in the England international.
After confirmation was forthcoming that Ilkay Gundogan is Barcelona-bound, and with speculation continuing to swirl around the name of Bernardo Silva, the powers that be at The Etihad are understood to have set their sights firmly on Rice to reinforce Pep Guardiola’s midfield.
Those of an Arsenal persuasion desperate to see their side push a long-touted deal for West Ham’s star man over the line, though, were swiftly reassured, by way of claims on the part of a host of outlets that Rice, for his part, remains intent on a move to north London.
Declan Rice remains keen on joining Arsenal despite talk of a bid from Manchester City. Up to Arsenal to pay the fee West Ham want https://t.co/XHyzpLDthz
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) June 22, 2023
But, as alluded to above, late on Thursday, yet another twist in the tale has been revealed.
The Sky Italia journalist reports that Manchester City have in fact pushed past Arsenal in the Declan Rice sweepstakes.
He goes as far as to assert that the Premier League champions are ‘close’ to striking a deal with their West Ham counterparts, with ‘confidence’ high that Rice will soon be lining out in sky blue.
Declan #Rice getting closer to @ManCity: confidence to reach final agreement with @WestHam. @SkySport
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) June 22, 2023
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