Sources: Man City ready unexpected Declan Rice swoop amid Arsenal latest

Sources: Man City ready unexpected Declan Rice swoop amid Arsenal latest

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

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Man City are continuing to monitor the situation of West Ham captain Declan Rice despite strong interest from Arsenal, sources have told Football Insider.

The Premier League leaders are laying the groundwork with alternative targets following a big blow in their pursuit of Jude Bellingham, 19, who is reportedly close to joining Real Madrid.

That is a similar valuation to that of Bellingham - and it is believed that Man City are one of the only sides in Europe capable of committing to that outlay.

Sources with knowledge of the situation have told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola's side could now formalise their long-term interest in Rice as the summer window approaches.

The England international has played 90 minutes in all but one of West Ham’s league fixtures in the 2022-23 campaign.

Rice has spoken publicly on multiple occasions about his ambitions of playing Champions League football and competing for honours at the highest level.

Man City are planning to bolster their midfield ranks in the summer window with captain Ilkay Gundogan closing in on a free transfer move to Barcelona.

Man City

Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (9 May) that the Citizens have made "huge" cash available for two midfield signings.

Guardiola's side could complete a famous treble this season as the 2022-23 run-in approaches.

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