Manchester City expected to launch £90 million package deal for Declan Rice

Premier League champions and treble winners Manchester City are expected to formalise an offer for West Ham United captain Declan Rice today.

Etihad officials were resigned to the reality of club captain Ilkay Gundogan bringing an end to a seven-year stay with the club on Wednesday afternoon, after the Germany international finalised a deal with FC Barcelona ahead of his City contract expiry.

While Manchester City are expected to welcome Mateo Kovacic to the club from Chelsea in the coming days, after agreeing a £30 million deal for the Croatia international, their search for midfield recruits is looking set to continue.

Manchester City transfer chiefs are now set to formalise their interest in West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, by submitting a formal offer to the London Stadium club for the 24-year-old – who is of great interest to title rivals Arsenal.

That is according to the information of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who reports that Manchester City are now expected to make an opening offer for Declan Rice on Thursday.

Additional information from Nathan Gissing reporting for Gianluca Di Marzio details that City officials currently want to offer £75 million in two instalments over a two-year period, plus a further £15 million in add-ons – which are thought to be ‘realistically achievable’.

It is stated that City’s intended proposal is understood to be a better overall package than Arsenal’s previous bid that was rejected, who offered £90 million but in several instalments and less achievable bonuses.

Manchester City and Arsenal could yet be joined by a third suitor in the hunt for Declan Rice this summer, as Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United are also keen admirers of the player, but could struggle to find the cash that their rivals could offer in the coming days and weeks.

City’s transfer business is unlikely to stop with their pursuit of Rice however, with the club known to be keen on strengthening in defence following an anticipated exit for Aymeric Laporte, with the Spain international assessing his options.

RB Leipzig and Croatia central defender Josko Gvardiol is understood to be their primary target for the position, however the Bundesliga side’s €100 million valuation could prove to be a stumbling block for the Premier League giants.

Nevertheless, City Xtra understand that there is a feeling of confidence within Manchester City that an agreement for Gvardiol can be found in the next few weeks, and for below Leipzig’s valuation.