Declan Rice, the midfielder for West Ham, has outlined three requirements for Manchester City if he were to choose them over Arsenal according to reports.
Rice’s departure from East London appears imminent, having led his team to victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League with a late goal from Jarrod Bowen in the 119th minute.
Despite Arsenal’s two unsuccessful bids of around £90 million for the highly valued midfielder, they remain steadfast in their demand for £110 million as the minimum acceptable offer before considering any transfer.
DiMarzio reports that the Citizens have moved ahead of the Gunners, whom they beat to the Premier League title, after lodging an official bid with a total package meeting the player’s valuation.
Rice’s conditions to join City
The player is believed to prefer Arsenal despite City’s offer to West Ham, as he prefers to remain in London because of his family.
Daily Star reports that he has laid down three conditions – which are tied to his role in the team, before agreeing to join the Premier League champions.
The 24-year-old sought assurances he has a long-term role at the club and that he will be an immediate starter and not be slowly integrated like his compatriot Jack Grealish, who joined for £100m from Aston Villa two years ago.
The last and possibly the most difficult request is seeking to know if Pep Guardiola will be at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which expires in 2025.
NBC Sports reported that the manager told the club insiders he would leave when his contract expires. The Spaniard could have been out of contract this summer but extended by two years during the 2022 FIFA World Cup break.
Musiala heaps praise on Rice
Sports Brief reported that German youngster Jamal Musiala heaped praise on Rice as a great player after Bayern Munich withdrew their interest due to the fee and the player’s preference to remain in England.
Musiala knew the England international from their days at Chelsea Academy in Cobham, even though they were in different age groups.