David Ornstein has shared some behind-the-scenes details regarding Manchester City’s recent transfer pursuit of Declan Rice.
After seeing a bid worth a total sum of £90m turned down by West Ham United, the Citizens pulled out of the race to sign the midfielder, who now looks to be on his way to Arsenal as the Gunners agreed a £105m deal for his signature.
Earlier this week, Eni Aluko suggested that City were not interested in signing the Englishman and that Mikel Arteta had asked Pep Guardiola if his club could make a bid for Rice in an effort to get Arsenal’s owners over the line in terms of sealing a deal for the player.
Now, one journalist has opened up about what went on at the Manchester club in terms of their attempts at signing the 24-year-old.
Ornstein reveals details on City’s chase for Rice
Speaking on talkSPORT, Ornstein said this when asked about the extent of City’s interest in Rice.
He said: “Absolutely. Their interest was serious and you don’t make bids of £80m plus £10m in add-ons and try to sign a player, it could’ve fallen their way in different circumstances, unless you are serious about a player.
“It came largely off the back of Ilkay Gundogan leaving. I’m not sure [Man City] were planning for Declan Rice before that moment but when it was finally decided by Gundogan that he would be departing as a free agent to Barcelona then Pep Guardiola and the City hierarchy decided that Rice is one they would like to go in for.
“We can say what we want about they’ve already got Rodri and that style of player but Manchester City need to bolster their midfield and Declan Rice is a versatile player at a great age with experience and attributes and qualities.
“They went in for him, it was a credible pursuit but clearly Arsenal were prepared to go to a higher financial level and once they did, Manchester City didn’t feel that that was the level they wanted to go for and I think we should respect all of these decisions.
“What might have been right for Arsenal financially might not have been right for Manchester City and they’ve all got their different needs and priorities, and there’ll be other factors in terms of the player’s preference and the projects at both respective clubs.
“Manchester City were there, Arsenal look like they’re going to win the day and let’s see if Manchester City go for someone else as an alternative.”
With the Manchester club pulling out of transfer pursuits in the past due to them not wanting to overspend on individual players such as Marc Cucurella, Harry Maguire and Kalidou Koulibaly, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the club have walked away from signing Rice.
Taking into account what Ornstein said about the European champions’ interest in the England international being genuine and credible, this shuts down Aluko’s suggestion that City’s bid came at the request of Arteta to help Arsenal get a deal completed.
As the journalist mentioned, the focus now at the Etihad Stadium will presumably be on whether or not they look to bring in a suitable but cheaper alternative.
