are ‘close’ to signing from despite his preference to join Arsenal instead, according to reports.
report that champions City are growing confident of hijacking Arsenal’s move for the England international.
– who is their top transfer target this summer – with Arsenal failing to meet West Ham’s price tag.
The Hammers want £100m to part ways with Rice to sign him before news emerged that they were close to an agreement.
Rice himself is thought to favour a move to Arsenal despite City’s advancements over a deal, according to the.
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.
Arteta is believed to be a ‘huge fan’ of Rice – having already made plans regarding where he would fit in his system at the Emirates.
The north Londoners were confident of completing a move but as City grow closer to a deal, it is undoubtedly a worry for the Premier League runners-up before they submit their third bid.
If Arsenal miss out on Rice they may decide to target a different midfielder, .
