Man City Rice move
Manchester City are set to make their first move for Declan Rice today or tomorrow!
The highest and best placed Claret and Hugh source at the London Stadium revealed to us EXCLUSIVELY this morning: “We expect Manchester City to be in today…latest tomorrow.”
Man City Rice move expected today
It’s a widely expected move after two failed attempts by Arsenal. And should City make an offer acceptable to the Irons, Declan Rice will be in a position – despite being on holiday – to make a major decision.
Should he want medals it seems impossible that he can reject City – currently the top club side in the world – for Arsenal. However, should he choose to move to the Etihad he would no doubt play second fiddle to Rodri who is an automatic starter, making 54 appearances for City last season.
But Rice would still be at the centre of a new cycle boss Pep Guardiola is being allowed to build at the Etihad.
Spain international Rodri is widely considered to be the best defensive midfielder in the world right now and would continue in the majority pf games in the number six role.
Pep sees Rice as much more than a holding midfielder and can play higher up in the number eight position, using his power to break the lines.
Rodri played 54 times for City during their Treble winning campaign and Guardiola didn’t trust Kalvin Phillips to provide cover for the majority of the season.
Minted Man City
City earned around £325m from their exploits and also also expect to earn around £300m again from outgoings this summer. Veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is leaving on a free to join Barcelona, while Bernardo Silva has interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabia.
Defenders Aymeric Laporte, Kyle Walker and João Cancelo also have one foot out of the door – all players Moysie would surely also take in exchange along with Phillips. City are keeping their powder dry and we revealed last week that Phillips is keen to stay put in Manchester and battle for a place.
Our own sources in Manchester, however, have told us City have the cash to pay Irons in one hit if Rice does back himself to make the grade under Pep. We have also been told that Declan was last week asking England team-mates John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Kyle Walker how strong City’s interest might be and what it is like playing for Guardiola.
I would prefer to see Rice going to city rather than either Arsenal or United but only if Phillips is NOT part of the deal. Rumours and lets just hope thats all they are, have it that Moyes rates Phillips, dont need to say anymore really, except to say he would be a dreadful signing. If you compare him to Tonali it’s just like chalk and chess. I just hope our ambition levels are the same as Newcastles.. I wud prefer him to go to arsenal then as signing Maguire or Mctomminay is really setting the bar too low.
Regarding the winning medals’ aspect and City being the only obvious candidate for that; I feel like this argument is looking in the back mirror, and peeking short term ahead. Pep has declared his intention of leaving City once his contract expires in 2 years. Who knows what will happen to City in the post-Pep era?
Arteta, coming from the Guardialo school, have just started his building of Arsenals future, with one of the youngest sqads in Europe and already almost won PL. Who’s to say Dec doesnt firmly believe Arsenal will win trophies over the next 5 years??
Personally Im very happy City is in the frame, bring on United and chelsea as well and get the best deal we possibly can for pur young captain. He has served us well and I wish him the best, including MORE medals for club and country