According to reports, Manchester City has renewed their pursuit of Declan Rice, dealing a severe setback to Arsenal's summer transfer plans. The 24-year-old West Ham captain is anticipated to quit the team in the summer in order to pursue his dream of competing in Champions League football and winning trophies. The current leaders of the Premier League, Arsenal, have been identified as the favourites to recruit the England international at the end of the current campaign.
According to The Times, Mikel Arteta is "becoming confident" that a deal can be reached and has made Rice, who has two years left on his contract, his primary summer target. The pursuit of the Gunners will be sabotaged by none other than their title rivals, City. Rice, who formerly identified club star Yaya Toure as an idol, has long been linked to a move to City.
The defending English champions still have significant clout in the transfer market, despite Arsenal's title lead. Yet given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva, and Kalvin Phillips, the wealthy Abu Dhabi-owned club may decide to shell out on Rice as a replacement next summer. The midfielder's best buddy Mason Mount, who plays for the Blues, has also been mentioned as a potential fit, as has Rice's old club Chelsea.