Manchester City ‘new favourites’ in race to sign £100m Premier League star

Manchester City are reportedly confident they can beat the likes of Manchester United and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to the signing of Declan Rice, who is set to leave West Ham this summer.

The Citizens are expected to undergo major changes to their first-team playing squad during the upcoming summer transfer window, and the midfield roles are an area to be addressed.

According to TeamTalk, Man City are preparing for a midfield clear out which would free up space for the England international’s arrival, even if that were to cost the North West outfit a British record fee.

As per the report, Pep Guardiola’s side believe they are the favourites to land the England international, who could cost as much as £100m if West Ham are to set their terms for their star midfielder.

“The race for Declan Rice is again intensifying,” Bailey told TEAMtalk. “He is leaving West Ham United this summer – everyone knows it, but it is again unclear where he might end up.

“For a long time, most of the big six wanted him, but that interest narrowed as other targets came up, to the point that Chelsea were very much in pole position to secure his signature.

“And Chelsea remain enticed with the idea of bringing Rice back to the club he began his career with, the club he supported as a child.

“But there are now facing real competition for the England star.

“Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation as we know, but their interest will be dependent on the fee West Ham ask, which could be over £100m.”

While Arsenal are serious about signing Rice, Man City are ‘ready to beat’ them to the signing and Pep Guardiola’s side are the ‘new favourites’ to recruit the England international.

Bailey feels that City “need watching” as they have “always appreciated” Rice.

“One side that needs watching is Manchester City who are again seriously considering him as part of a possible midfield overhaul,” Bailey added.

“With Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and possibly Kalvin Phillips all possible departures, there will be more than enough room at City to take him and they have always appreciated him.

“And I am told that their interest in Jude Bellingham would not mean one or the other, they could be taking both.

“The same can’t be said of Liverpool as their main interest remains firmly in the pursuit of Jude Bellingham – who is yet to make a decision on his future. But they won’t be looking at both players.

“Manchester United have always liked Rice too. But following the arrival of Casemiro last summer, it does not appear they have rekindled their interest at this point.”