According to reports, Manchester City are exploring the possibility of acquiring West Ham United captain Declan Rice during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Manchester City is reportedly weighing up a move for West Ham United’s talented midfielder and captain, Declan Rice, as the Premier League champions prepare for a potential midfield overhaul ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
Rice, who is in the final 18 months of his contract with the London club, is expected to leave the Hammers in the upcoming summer transfer window, with several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, all said to be interested in his services.
The 2022 World Cup saw the 24-year-old hint at a summer departure while discussing his future. He has been a key figure for the Hammers this season, contributing one goal and three assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
The latest reports suggest that Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva could both be on their way out of the Etihad Stadium in the summer, prompting the club to turn their attention to Rice.
Despite West Ham valuing the England captain at £150 million last summer, Manchester United failed with an offer of around £100 million for the midfielder last year. However, with the player’s contract situation, it is believed that £100 million would be enough to secure his services this time around.
West Ham’s sporting director, Mark Noble, recently admitted that Rice could depart the London Stadium in the near future for a Champions League team, further fuelling speculation about the player’s potential exit from the club.
It remains to be seen whether Manchester City will make a move for the talented midfielder, but Rice’s versatility and impressive performances for club and country have made him one of the most sought-after players in English football.