Declan Rice ‘preferred destination’ revealed out of Arsenal and Man City as ‘future captain’ claim made

West Ham are digging their heels in firm over Declan Rice and know exactly what they want for the skipper. Based on the fact they have already knocked back two bids from Arsenal shows they aren’t willing to budge on their £100 million valuation of the star midfielder.

The Gunners’ failure to get a deal over the line so far has now opened up a window of opportunity for Manchester City, who are looking to move in and hijack the transfer from under their Premier League title opponents’ noses. Here is the latest regarding the interest in Rice and who is closest to signing him this summer.

Arteta makes huge Rice admission

Arsenal’s latest offer of £75 milion plus £15 million in add-ons was rejected but it hasn’t stopped their pursuit of the England international. It seems the North London outfit were just trying to get Rice on a reduced fee, but the resilient Irons are sticking to that £100 million figure.

The Gunners are said to be planning their third proposal for Rice and are due to return with a fresh offer. Mikel Arteta is obviously extremely keen on getting the deal finalised, as he admitted sees the 24-year-old as a future captain at the Emirates, according to the Daily Mail.

Rice still keen on Arsenal despite Man City interest

Although the champions are now in the running for Rice and are an extremely attractive destination, the midfielder’s preference is still Arsenal, according to The Guardian. However, Arteta and his side need to act fast as City are in a position and willing to slap down the full £100 million for Rice to snap him up ahead of the 2023/24 season.

İlkay Gündoğan also recently agreed terms with Barcelona and is set to leave Manchester after seven years in sky blue. But City are moving fast to replace him and that could be Mateo Kovačić, meaning Rice’s chances of starting at the Etihad compared to Arsenal are slimmer.

Especially after Arteta’s comment about the Englishman becoming the new captain, it’s pretty clear where he will see the most action.