According to sources at ESPN, Manchester City’s initial bid for Declan Rice has been rejected by West Ham. City offered £80 million ($102 million) plus an additional £10 million in add-ons, but West Ham is holding out for a minimum of £100 million in guaranteed payments.
West Ham also rejected Arsenal’s bid of £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons earlier.
While Manchester United has shown interest in Rice, it is uncertain if they can meet West Ham’s valuation.
Manchester City intensified their pursuit of Rice after Ilkay Gundogan decided to join Barcelona on a free transfer. Although City wanted Gundogan to stay, they were only willing to offer a two-year contract. While Barcelona provided a two-year deal with a third-year option. Additionally, City was hesitant to meet Gundogan’s wage demands due to his age, as he will turn 33 in October.
City has already secured a £30 million deal for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic but is still eager to add Rice to their squad. The futures of Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez, and Kalvin Phillips at City remain uncertain. Sources suggest that West Ham is among the clubs interested in Phillips. If he decides to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer.
West Ham expects Rice to depart this summer but has remained steadfast in their demand for a minimum of £100 million.
Rice has one year left on his contract, with West Ham holding an option to extend it for an additional year.
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