Arsenal are now close to sealing an agreement with West Ham to sign Declan Rice for £105m. This comes after Manchester City decided the figures were too high for them and subsequently pulled out of the race.

The Gunners lodged a third offer of £100m plus £5m in add-ons on Tuesday night. Man City, who had a £90m bid rejected earlier in the day, have walked away from the deal.

Arsenal offer for Declan Rice too high for City to match

It has been long speculated that Man City could sign whoever they want. However, Chelsea and now Arsenal have shown that the rest of the Premier League’s elite, have the power to compete on a level playing field with the Etihad club.

Manchester City have rejected the opportunity to enter bidding wars in the past but all indications suggest this was a deal they wanted to pursue. Arsenal have shown they are no pushovers and that they can also compete at the highest level financially.

City boss Pep Guardiola had decided to pursue Rice as Ilkay Gundogan’s long-term replacement. But the club will now step aside and allow Arsenal enjoy one of Europe’s finest defensive midfielders.

Declan Rice wanted to remain in London but would have joined whichever team was able to reach an agreement with West Ham.

Arsenal have blown City out of the water with their offer and the 24-year-old will be playing at the Emirates next season. A rare L for Man City.

Arsenal Declan Rice Manchester City