Man City transfer news: Pep confident in signing £100m England dynamo

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Manchester City are reportedly confident they can beat the likes of Manchester United and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to the signing of Declan Rice, who is set to leave West Ham this summer.

According to TeamTalk, Pep Guardiola’s side believe they are the favourites to land the England international, who could cost as much as £100m if West Ham are to set their terms for their star midfielder, though City already face a lot of competition for Rice.

As per the report, Arsenal are also interested in Rice, whilst Erik Ten Hag’s United and Liverpool are also keen on signing the 24-year-old, though this hasn’t deterred City from landing the midfielder, who is being viewed as a long-term replacement for the likes of Ilkay Gundogan.

With West Ham still in a battle to survive the drop, Rice will be keen to sign for a club that are regularly competing for titles at the other end of the Premier League table, and whilst there could be some issues with the midfielder playing regular football, signing for City could be a great move for the England star.

Indeed, Rice has established himself as one of the best in the Premier League in what he does, and whilst there could be some comparisons drawn to the midfielder with Kalvin Phillips, the players are different enough that the West Ham captain doesn’t have to worry about a lack of minutes.

Moreover, given how perfect City is for Rice, Guardiola will be tempted to make room in the starting XI for the 24-year-old, especially if Gundogan is to leave the club once his contract expires at the end of this season, something that currently looks like a possibility.

City must do all they can to sign Rice this summer

The battle to sign Rice will be one of the most interested this summer in the Premier League, with the majority of big clubs seemingly after the West Ham captain as United and Arsenal both look to make serious moves or the east London midfielder. Yet City have the power to win the race.

As we know, Guardiola’s midfield is potentially due a rebuild with Gundogan on the verge of leaving and Kevin De Bruyne not getting any younger, and Rice could be the perfect summer signing to help the Etihad Stadium side evolve for the future, with the deal also embarrassing the likes of Arsenal and United in the market.