Where Man City stand on Declan Rice transfer amid Arsenal interest

Manchester City are yet to turn interest in Declan Rice into a bid as they weigh up what their midfield should look like next season.

There will definitely be some change, with Ilkay Gundogan set to join Barcelona and Mateo Kovacic joining from Chelsea for an initial £25m. However, Kovacic is not seen as a direct replacement for Gundogan and the club are again willing to accept a reasonable offer for Bernardo Silva if Paris Saint-Germain or anyone else firms up their interest.

West Ham midfielder Rice would be more of a direct replacement for Gundogan in terms of the fact he would be a marquee signing to replace one of City's most important midfielders, although in terms of playing style the comparison doesn't quite hold up. While Pep Guardiola has a brilliant track record of improving players, neither Kovacic nor Rice look ready-made to find space in the opposition box and provide the goal threat that Gundogan did.

With Phil Foden showing his credentials for a central role in the Champions League final, John Stones bossing the midfield in that game, and Kalvin Phillips showing a determination to stay and improve next season, there is scope to allow for more rotation of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne without paying a marquee price to bring Rice in. For all the talent the England international has, the fee that he would command - especially given Arsenal's strong interest - would bring with it the level of expectation that Jack Grealish found difficult in his first season at the Etihad.

Also read: City close in on first summer signing with Kovacic medical

City showed with Grealish that they are not afraid to pay huge sums for what they see as long-term investment, and at 24 Rice has his best years ahead of him. However,