Manchester City emerge as strong contenders to land Declan Rice as bid expected to rival Arsenal

Declan Rice, Declan Rice and some more Declan Rice was all there was to talk about on the latest day of the ongoing transfer window.

Arsenal were for long deemed to be having a free run at the 24-year-old England international but Manchester City have made a late run for Rice, who was expected to seal a sensational switch to the Emirates Stadium.

However, reports have indicated the newly crowned European champions are looking to hijack the Gunners’ pursuit of the West Ham man as Ilkay Gundogan nears a free transfer to Barcelona.

On day nine of the summer transfer window, here are the latest transfer developments around Manchester City following a historic treble-winning campaign for Pep Guardiola’s side:

Arrivals

Manchester City are expected to submit an offer to West Ham for Declan Rice on Thursday, and have serious interest in signing the England international. (David Ornstein)

Manchester City want to offer £75 million in two instalments plus £15 million in add-ons, which are thought to be realistically achievable, for Declan Rice. City also want to pay the two instalments over a two-year period. (Nathan Gissing, Gianluca Di Marzio)

Declan Rice is open to any move. Manchester City have been in contact with West Ham and Declan Rice’s representatives and believe the midfielder would be willing to join them if a deal can be struck. (Fabrizio Romano)

Manchester City are ready to equal their £100 million outlay on Jack Grealish in their pursuit of Declan Rice. Personal terms would not pose a problem for City, with an offer of around £200,000-a-week. (David McDonnell, Mirror Sport)

Declan Rice remains keen to join Arsenal despite Manchester City planning to enter the race (Jacob Steinberg, Guardian Sport)

Declan Rice is getting closer to Manchester City. City are close to buying Arsenal target Declan Rice. There is confidence in the settlement to close a deal with West Ham. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Departures

Al Hilal are pushing hard to convince Bernardo Silva to leave Manchester City. The Saudi Pro League side have the budget to offer wages north of £75 million a season. The midfielder is yet to make a decision on his future, with City keen for the matter to be resolved soon. (Jack Gaughan, Daily Mail)

Máximo Perrone has ‘many chances’ to join Girona on loan for the 2023/24 season. The idea is for the midfielder to be part of Manchester City’s pre-season, before leaving for the La Liga club. (Bruno González García)

Borussia Dortmund are interested in Manchester City’s Cole Palmer, with the player having already been on their wish list last season. (BILD)

Confirmed Deals

Enzo Maresca to Leicester City