Transfer: Shock for Arsenal as Man City are now close to signing Declan Rice

Manchester City are ‘close’ to completing a deal for West Ham’s Declan Rice.

This is despite the player’s preference to join Arsenal.

According to Sky Italy, Manchester City are growing confident of hijacking the deal for Rice.

Arsenal have seen two bids turned down by West Ham, with the Gunners failing to meet the asking price tag.

West Ham want £100m for their top asset which Manchester City wanted to table as their first offer for the player and it has now emerged that they are close to an agreement.

Rice himself had wanted to move to the Emirates Stadium despite City’s advancements over a deal, according to the Guardian.

Manchester United have also been linked with Rice and have offered £40m plus two players for his services.

But it appears to be a straight shootout between Arsenal and City and it will be a massive blow to Mikel Arteta if the Gunners miss out on Rice this summer