Manchester City stepped up their attempt to beat Arsenal to the signing of Declan Rice by making their first bid for the West Ham midfielder on Monday.
Arsenal have had two bids for Rice rejected and are in danger of missing out on Mikel Arteta’s top target. City want the England midfielder to replace Ilkay Gündogan, who completed his move to Barcelona on Monday, and have sent West Ham a formal proposal worth £80m plus £10m in add-ons. Join millions of others who enjoy Guardian sport content on our social media channels Twitter @guardian_sport Instagram guardian_sport Facebook Guardian football and Guardian sport YouTube Guardian football and Guardian sport West Ham have been holding out for at least £100m for Rice and it remains to be seen how they respond to City’s offer.
The London Stadium were unimpressed with Arsenal’s opening two offers. Arsenal’s second bid was £75m plus £15m in add-ons, but they wanted to spread the initial part of the payment over five years.
West Ham want the guaranteed portion to be spread over fewer instalments. The sense until now has been that Rice’s preference is to join Arsenal.