Declan Rice joined Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the summer transfer window, but Manchester City believe that they could have been able to sign him before he left West Ham United.
That is according to journalist Dean Jones in GiveMeSport.
So, what has been said about Manchester City, Declan Rice and Arsenal?
Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, according to journalist Dean Jones in GiveMeSport, Manchester City wanted to sign Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.
City made a bid of £90 million for Rice.
West Ham United turned it down.
Arsenal eventually made a deal with the Hammers worth an initial £100 million and brought the England international midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.
According to journalist Jones, “sources have indicated to GMS that there remains a belief at the club that, had City fronted enough cash in the summer, Rice would have chosen City over Arsenal.”
Pep Guardiola was keen on signing Declan Rice for Manchester City
Only time will tell if Manchester City will regret not paying the extra £10 million needed to get a deal done for Declan Rice.
Rice, who can also operate as a defender, has made an immediate impact at Arsenal.
The England international is only 24 and has huge potential.
I believe that Rice will get better and become world class in the coming years.
While City have a number of quality midfielders, Rice would have been given manager Pep Guardiola another good option.
And, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss himself recently said that he wanted to sign the England international.
Earlier this month, Guardiola noted that “Arsenal pushed more” for the £240,000-a-week (Spotrac) star and “wanted him more”, adding that City “could not afford” to pay the transfer fee that the Gunners did.
Rice has made 212 appearances in the Premier League so far in his career.
The Englishman has scored 11 goals and given 10 assists in those games.
