Arsenal still hopeful of Declan Rice deal despite Man City entering race

Arsenal remain Declan Rice’s preferred destination, talkSPORT understands.

Manchester City are showing a strong interest in the West Ham captain and are weighing up a big-money offer.

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But Arsenal are still hopeful of doing a deal for their main transfer target this summer and are set to table another bid.

Mikel Arteta’s side have already made two offers for Rice this summer with the latest worth up to £90million.

But West Ham value their prized asset at more than £100million.

That fee would not be a problem for Premier League champions Manchester City, who West Ham are now expecting to enter the race.

City’s interest and the lure of playing for Pep Guardiola could be a major lure for Rice.

However, the treble winners have yet to make a formal bid and Arsenal remain favourites to secure Rice’s signature as it stands.

The 24-year-old has a young family and his preference has always been to remain in London.

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan admitted to talkSPORT following their Europa Conference League triumph that Rice had played his final game for the club.

But they’re under no pressure to sell and with City circling, know they can demand a huge fee.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are close to completing a deal for Kai Havertz.

They have agreed a fee of around £65million with Chelsea for the German forward.

Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber are also in Arteta’s sights this summer, as well as Rice.