Sport

West Ham reject Manchester City’s £90m bid for captain Declan Rice

Who's gonna win the race to sign the top Premier League talent?

Danny Jones - 27th June 2023

Manchester City have reportedly had a £90 million bid for in-demand England midfielder Declan Rice rejected by West Ham United.

With the transfer window now well and truly open, multiple clubs are stepping up their efforts to sign the talented CDM — Manchester United being one of the biggest suitors linked over the past couple of seasons.

Now though, it appears their neighbours and now treble-winning rivals have also joined the race to sign the West Ham star, having submitted a formal bid of £90m for the Irons captain.

However, according to multiple outlets, West Ham have decided to reject City’s substantial offer for the Three Lions favourite despite making clear that Rice will leave at some point this summer.

West Ham rejected Manchester City’s proposal for Declan Rice as they know Arsenal will also bid again for more than £90m total package. Plan has been clear for days. 🚨⚪️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

More to follow as Arsenal third bid is expected soon but Manchester City remain in the race. pic.twitter.com/bGl6RmbDf8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2023

Arsenal and City are the only two clubs said to have lodged formal offers for Rice — all of which have been rejected.

As detailed by Fabrizio Romano, the offer itself was said to be for around £80m with an estimated £10m in add-ons, which would have seen him become the second most expensive English signing of all-time — a record that the Blues already hold after signing Jack Grealish for £100m back in 2021.

Money is obviously of little object to City with their ownership, not to mention having just completed their most successful season ever, with talk they will be given the “biggest transfer budget in history” during this window, so they are still expected to be heavy favourites to sign him.

In terms of other clubs hoping to secure the 24-year-old’s services, Man United are yet to make a formal bid but Arsenal are expected to submit their third which will, presumably, have to exceed the £90m mark or perhaps include a player as well to sweeten the deal.

Even if City somehow miss out on Rice, they have already made their first key signing of the season after reportedly agreeing a £30m deal for Chelsea midfielder, Mateo Kovačić, who could essentially replace the recently departed Ilkay Gündogan. The 32-year-old bid an emotional farewell after seven seasons.

Featured Image — West Ham/Declan Rice (via Instagram)