According to a report from The Telegraph, the race to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice has intensified as Manchester City’s official £90 million bid has been formally rejected by the club. West Ham remain resolute in their stance, refusing to entertain the substantial offer for their highly-valued player.
Rice’s Excellent Run Of Form In The English Capital Last Season
Rice experienced a brilliant campaign at the London Stadium after he put in a string of influential performances at the centre of West Ham’s midfield. The 24-year-old scored five goals and grabbed four assists in 50 matches for the Hammers last season across all competitions.
The England international anchored the midfield with a conviction for the East London club based on his average of 2.1 shots, 1.7 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in Premier League football. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from midfield, as he has completed 88% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the London Stadium will expire in the summer of 2024. Thus, it only makes sense for the potential suitors to move in for him during this summer transfer window.
Should Manchester City Boss Pep Guardiola Look For Other Alternatives?
Declan Rice’s qualities as a player make him an attractive option for any team. His versatility, strong defensive attributes, composure on the ball, and ability to dictate play from midfield have earned him recognition as one of the Premier League’s top young talents. These attributes align with Pep Guardiola‘s preference for technically gifted and tactically astute players.
Manchester City’s midfield could benefit from Rice’s presence. With Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva looking to exit, Rice could provide a long-term solution in the holding midfield role. His ability to break up play, provide defensive cover, and initiate attacks could enhance City‘s midfield dynamics and offer more flexibility to Guardiola’s tactical plans.
However, the pursuit of Rice should also consider the overall balance of Manchester City‘s squad and the potential impact on other players. Manchester City already boasts a wealth of midfield options, including Kevin De Bruyne, Kalvin Phillips and Rodri. Assessing how Rice would fit into the squad structure, compete for playing time, and contribute to team chemistry becomes crucial.
Furthermore, the financial aspect cannot be ignored. While the £90 million offer is substantial, the Etihad Club must weigh it against other potential alternatives in the transfer market and the impact it could have on their overall transfer budget. Prioritizing the team’s needs in other positions might influence the decision to pursue Rice or explore alternatives that better align with their transfer strategy.
