On Thursday, Arsenal fans were sent into a meltdown after the Athletic revealed that Manchester City were preparing to bid for Gunners target Declan Rice. However, the North London giants have received a huge boost in their pursuit of the 24-year-old.
According to talkSPORT, the Emirates Stadium remains the Three Lions ace's preferred destination despite interest from the Guardiola's treble-winning side. The North London heavyweights have lodged two bids for the Hammers captain and while both offers were rejected, last season's runners-up are being encouraged by West Ham to bid for a third time in order to conclude this transfer saga soon.
City's entrance sparked understandable concerns among Arsenal supporters. Not only are the Cityzens the richer and more successful club in recent years, but they also boast arguably the best squad in the world and one of the greatest managers in the history of football.
However, while Manchester City's bid was said to be imminent, a confirmed offer from the English champions hasn't been made. According to talkSPORT, this is due to Rice's preference. Guardiola's side have begun talks with West Ham but they are yet to bid after being told the midfielder wants Arsenal over the Abu Dhabi-owned team
Other sources report that the player is open to any move, which means the Gunners' pursuit of Rice is not a foregone conclusion. Whether Man City will pull out of the race or pull out all the stops to change Declan's stance remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Edu and Co. are yet to meet West Ham's valuation of the player but will have to offer a fee in the region of £100M ($127M). The club's first two offers fell below that mark and were thus rejected immediately.
