‘This doesn’t make sense’, ‘Why did we bid in for Rice?’ – Man City fans react to club’s midfield plan after losing out on Declan Rice to Arsenal

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Pep Guardiola’s side are currently focusing on what is going on regarding outgoings before potential moves for midfielders.

The third week of the summer transfer window brought about plenty in the way of arrivals and departures, as a significant turning point in the Declan Rice saga arrived.

Arsenal’s £105 million third bid for the West Ham United captain was always set to test Manchester City’s financial outlines for the England midfielder, and the Premier League champions ultimately stamped their authority in the bidding war.

City have a firm stance not to pay over the odds for any player, or to be dragged into bidding wars, and have walked away from huge deals in the past. Their approach to the Rice transfer suggests they wanted a midfielder.

Mateo Kovacic arrived this week to replace Ilkay Gundogan, and Manchester City will not necessarily sign an alternative to Rice in the deep-lying midfield position.

Maybe a new midfielder does sign before the end of the transfer window, and City will conduct any remaining business with an eye on any departures.

That’s according to Jack Gaughan who claims Manchester City are focusing on what is going on regarding outgoings, before making any potential moves for midfielders this summer.

As per the report, Declan Rice’s fee is expected to act as a gauge for Bernardo Silva.

If City take their current squad – with Kovacic replacing Gundogan – into the new season, it wouldn’t be a disaster. Kalvin Phillips is determined to prove his can fulfil that role at City.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@Portlocks: “Why do we have to sell before we can buy? Are we skint, despite winning the treble?”

@kaiciteh: “This doesn’t make sense. Why bid for Rice?”

@Cobra9_Mcfc: “So why did we bid in for Rice while nobody left.”

@JunzMCFC: “How’d we bid £90m for Rice then”

@well_d0n3: “Lies… If this it’s true why they try Rice?”

@chriscarpy93: “Something doesn’t feel right about this transfer window already. Surely kovicic isnt gundo replacement? May as well offered gundo what he wanted..”

@NickMCFC1894: “If true I’m not mad at that if Bernardo stays we’ll have him, Kovacic Foden, McAtee and Perrone to play in that 8 role. Would be nice to see McAtee and Perrone get more chances under Pep..”