Declan Rice is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, so I was not surprised when Manchester City made a bid for the England international in the summer transfer window before he joined Arsenal from West Ham United.
Arsenal signed Declan Rice from London and Premier League rivals West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
Manchester City linked with summer move for Declan Rice
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal paid West Ham an initial transfer fee of £100 million plus £5 million in performance-related add-ons.
The Gunners are paying Rice £240,000 per week (Spotrac).
Just days before Arsenal got the deal done with the Hammers, Manchester City reportedly tried to sign Rice.
Sky Sports reported in late June that City, who won the Premier League, the UEFA Champions League and the FA Cup last season, offered West Ham £80 million up front plus £10 million in add-ons for the 24-year-old.
West Ham turned it down.
City will now come up against Rice this weekend.
Arsenal will take on City at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola praise for Declan Rice
The 24-year-old is set to start.
City manager Pep Guardiola has raved about the England international midfielder.
While speaking about Arsenal summer signings Kai Havertz, David Raya and Declan Rice, Guardiola said, as quoted in The London Evening Standard: “The recruitment they have done is top, exceptional level of players.
“The keeper, Havertz, Rice. They are a good team.”
I think that Rice would have been a good signing for City, but I do not think that the Citizens are any worse off without him.
Rodri is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
While Rice has a lot of potential and could improve in the coming years, I believe that City can and will be successful without the England international.
Who knows, perhaps in the coming years, City could try to sign Rice again, this time from Arsenal.
