West Ham captain Declan Rice has been tipped to snub a move to Manchester City in favour of Arsenal in the summer transfer window by former Liverpool and England forward John Barnes. It comes as the two teams battle it out for the signature of the 24-year-old.
The Gunners have often been the favourites to sign the England international as part of a huge midfield revamp that could see Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey leave. football.london understands that Declan Rice is a top priority for Arsenal this summer, though they won't be dragged into a bidding war.
The north London outfit have seen their opening two bids - with total packages worth £80million and £90million respectively - rejected by the Hammers. A third offer is expected, with personal terms already agreed, that should see the total package reach closer to the valuation set.
However, interest from rivals Manchester City has thrown a spanner in the works and Arsenal may have to work fast to ensure a deal is completed. At this stage, football.london understands reports of a bid from City are premature, though they do hold a keen interest.
Given the amount that the Premier League champions can spend, alongside a greater probability of competing for the top trophies for the future, it could be seen as a more enticing move. Though on the other hand, there's the possibility of winning Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20-years, while being a key player.
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For Barnes, it's the latter that may be more tempting to Rice, who he has tipped to snub a move to Manchester City. He told futfanatico.com: "Arsenal have made two bids for which will probably get up to £100million so Arsenal makes more sense. Not because they’re better than City but because Arsenal are more interested and I think he wants to go to Arsenal. That will be the best thing for him.
"Rice will fit into Arsenal’s way of playing in that holding midfield role. £100million for Rice means he goes straight into that Arsenal team as the holding midfielder. Protecting that back four and bringing solidity, which is what the Arsenal team needs."
Another question for Barnes is whether Rice would fit into Pep Guardiola's system, claiming he would be competing with Rodri for a place in the team. He continued: "I don’t think Manchester City are interested in Declan Rice because they’ve got Rodri. And I don’t think Pep wants two holding midfielders."
It remains to be seen whether that outcome will favour Arsenal in the coming weeks or if a deal may swing to the way of Manchester City. However, it appears as though a crucial stage of talks are approaching before the future of Rice is any clearer this summer transfer window.
