As the summer transfer window heats up, all eyes are on Arsenal and their pursuit of West Ham’s captain, Declan Rice.

The ongoing saga takes an intriguing turn with Manchester City expected to enter the fray, potentially altering Arsenal’s plans.

• Arsenal’s pursuit of Declan Rice continues amid Manchester City’s interest.
• Manchester City’s potential offer for Rice could affect Arsenal’s plans.
• West Ham chairman, David Sullivan, expects Rice to leave the club.

Arsenal’s chase for West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice, seems to be reaching a turning point, despite their club-record proposal of £90 million, a sum including a £75m fee and £15m in add-ons, being declined by their Premier League rivals.

According to David Ornstein, Manchester City are expected to make a bid ‘on Thursday’, a development which could potentially disrupt the North London club’s plans.

🚨 Manchester City expected to submit an offer to West Ham for Declan Rice today. #MCFC have serious interest in recruiting 24yo England midfielder + it is anticipated a formal bid will be lodged soon to rival Arsenal for signing @TheAthleticFC #WHUFC #AFC https://t.co/6ZNtsYPSOh

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 22, 2023

As per The Athletic’s report earlier this month, Premier League champions City were considering an approach for the 24-year-old.

Now, it appears that they are about to move forward with an official bid.

This bid comes with City set to close a deal for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Concurrently, Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly close to a transfer to Barcelona.

This summer, Declan Rice remains Arsenal’s primary target, with Mikel Arteta prioritising strengthening the midfield.

After the club’s Europa Conference League victory, West Ham chairman David Sullivan hinted at Rice’s departure, stating that he “wanted to go”. The player’s contract with West Ham is due to expire in 2024, with an option for a one-year extension.

In another twist in the tale, reports suggest that West Ham’s interest in Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips could also have repercussions on Arsenal’s pursuit of Rice.

Phillips, who joined the reigning Premier League champions from Leeds in a £42m deal 12 months ago, has had an injury-hit campaign, limiting him to just four starts in all competitions.

According to ESPN, City could offer Phillips plus cash for Rice.

Meanwhile, with Gundogan’s move to Barcelona confirmed, there could soon be a vacancy in City’s midfield.

If City successfully sign Rice, this could potentially derail Arsenal’s transfer plans. The Gunners’ pursuit of Rice has been determined, but the addition of another Premier League giant in the race for the player adds an unexpected challenge.

While Arsenal remains hopeful about signing Rice, only time will tell how this transfer saga unfolds. As the summer transfer window progresses, it seems the chase for Declan Rice is far from over.

Arsenal are expected to return with a third bid for Rice.