Manchester City ‘actively exploring’ move to rival Arsenal in race to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice

Manchester City are potentially preparing to rival Arsenal for the signature of Declan Rice, after the Gunners saw an £80 million bid rejected by West Ham for the player.

Pep Guardiola is set for a significant midfield shake-up at Manchester City this summer, as uncertainty remains surrounding the long-term futures of both Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan at the Etihad Stadium.

The latter is yet to agree a new contract with Manchester City, amid interest from Barcelona and Arsenal in signing the German midfielder on a free transfer.

Bernardo Silva meanwhile has been linked with a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain, although the 28 year-old is widely reported to be keen on moving to Spain this summer.

City have already agreed personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic ahead of a potential transfer, however the newly-crowned treble winners are also claimed to be showing an interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

Arsenal have seen an £80 million bid to sign the Hammers skipper rejected, and despite the Gunners preparing to increase their offer, David Ornstein reports that Manchester City are now “actively exploring an approach” for the midfielder.

Rice, who recently captained West Ham to Europa Conference League glory in Prague, is out of contract at the London Stadium next year and is set to depart the East London club this summer, according to West Ham chairman David Sullivan.

The 24 year-old featured in 37 of West Ham’s Premier League matches last campaign, and James Ducker reports that City’s interest in the midfielder could “drive up the price” or “sabotage” Arsenal’s transfer pursuit.

Additional reporting from The Telegraph has also indicated that a second “top club” is expected to bid for Rice in the next 24 hours, although it is currently ‘unclear’ whether that club is Manchester City.

Sources have however confirmed to the newspaper that the Treble winners regard the England international as a “strong option” and are very interested in signing him this summer, as they look to strengthen their options in midfield.

The Daily Mail claim that the Hammers are interested in what the Premier League champions may be able to offer for Rice, as Manchester City weigh up a potential move for the England international.

West Ham have previously been linked with Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who made just four starts during his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

Cole Palmer, who is expected to be allowed to leave Manchester City this summer on either a loan or permanent deal, has also been linked with the Hammers in the past.