Manchester City have 'strongly' join race to sign Declan Rice; working on a bid

The English midfielder has attracted suitors from top Premier League clubs

Manchester City have reportedly 'strongly' joined Arsenal in the race to sign Declan Rice as they look for Ilkay Gundogan signed for Barcelona.

The England international has been the subject of numerous transfer rumours recently due to his outstanding play for West Ham, but it has long appeared like Arsenal would be the favourites to get him.

Declan Rice prefers Arsenal, but it appears that Man City are now seriously considering a move. It has been made known that the Premier League winners are actively courting Rice and are putting together a proposal for the 24-year-old.

The 24-year-old has become the Gunners' top target for the summer transfer window, and club records of up to £90 million ($115 million) have been offered. They were rejected, which opens up opportunities for other bidders to join the lucrative competition.

City are prepared to play their cards after defeating Arsenal to win the Premier League in 2022–23. Within the next 24 hours, Pep Guardiola may make an approach from the Etihad Stadium in an effort to secure a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.

Even if West Ham values their club captain higher than Arsenal does, a nine-figure payment is anticipated to be exchanged.

Declan Rice has a contract with the East London club that runs through 2024, with an additional 12-month extension option, but after making over 240 appearances for the Hammers, he wants to prove himself on a Champions League stage.

While City may also consider improving their defensive choices during the summer, according to the report, Guardiola is reportedly interested in signing highly-rated Croatian international Josko Gvardiol, who is now playing for RB Leipzig.