It has been reported that Manchester City have decided to surrender in their race to sign Declan Rice, leaving Arsenal with a free run at his signature.
This comes from journalist Jack Gaughan, after it was claimed on Wednesday that City could have beaten the Gunners’ £105 million bid (£100 million plus £5 million in add-ons) had they offered better payment terms.
But now, it seems Arsenal have a huge advantage in signing Declan Rice, with Manchester City having chosen not to pursue his arrival.
Jack Gaughan: Manchester City hand Arsenal clear run at Declan Rice transfer
The Sky Blues recently launched a £90 million bid (£80 million plus £10 million in add-ons) to sign the West Ham United legend, branded as ‘so smart’ by Jack Grealish.
In fact, it was reported that in the event of Ilkay Gundogan leaving the club, which has since occurred as he has joined Barcelona, the treble-winners had eyed the England international as his replacement.
However, it has now been claimed that with Arsenal submitting a whopping £105 million bid to sign Declan Rice, Manchester City have internally decided to ‘pull out of the race’ after all.
As a result, the Gunners now are in the clear to secure the Europa Conference League winner’s services.
Not the end of the world for Manchester City
While Arsenal will likely be boosted by the inevitable arrival of Declan Rice, Manchester City fans have no reason to panic yet.
It is not ideal that the 24-year-old, alongside Jude Bellingham have not been brought in to replace the legendary Ilkay Gundogan.
However, as seen during previous transfer sagas, City tend to have alternatives in mind and do not get bullied in such dealings.
Instead, the club calmly assess all their options, bring in a player and tend to reiterate the fact that they are expert recruiters.
As a result, while it would have been lovely to witness Declan Rice’s development under Pep Guardiola, it is not the end of the world.
