Manchester City remain attentive to the situation of Declan Rice, with Arsenal planning to submit a third proposal for the player this week.
Things went a little quiet over the weekend over the England international.
But it’s anticipated there could be movement in the coming days over the West Ham United captain.
City have not yet made a move for Rice.
Arsenal have apparently already seen two bids knocked back, and City are said to be watching the situation closely.
And now journalist Fabrizio Romano has offered some information that maybe give City fans hope that Rice will head for the Etihad and not the Emirates.
Fabrizio Romano says West Ham United want big money now for Declan Rice and not instalments
Romano has written about Rice in his latest column for Caught Offside.
The renowned journalist believes that West Ham are looking for a huge fee to be paid to them right now.
He said: “We heard a lot about an official Manchester City bid for Declan Rice, and it could still happen. But also Arsenal plan to submit a third proposal for the West Ham United captain this week.
“The race remains open between Man City and Arsenal, waiting for the bids and also for West Ham position. Payment terms will also be important, West Ham want big money paid now and not in four or five instalments.
“As I revealed a couple of days ago, contacts have taken place between City and Rice on the player side. Mikel Arteta has been trying his best to sign Rice for Arsenal, but City are still there as well. Nothing is decided yet, but we could have a crucial few days ahead.”
Surely this suits Manchester City more than it does Arsenal
So West Ham are looking for big money and they want that money to be paid now, which is understandable.
They have their own targets to sign and may need the Rice money to do what they need to do.
Surely, there is a better chance of City paying more money up front.
Arsenal are known to spread big transfer fees over several years, such as the Nicolas Pepe deal.
In fairness many clubs do that these days.
But City, you would feel, would be able to fork out a big lump sum for Rice – whom former Hammers captain Mark Noble thinks is ‘special’ – if they really wanted to.
West Ham are said to have been slightly irked by Arsenal’s opening offers. It was suggested last week that they actually hope City will come in and bid.
David Ornstein claimed that City were indeed set to make a bid.
