That’s why” – Declan Rice reveals reason behind Manchester City rejection in favour of Arsenal
Manchester City were rejected by England star Declan Rice last summer transfer window in favour of the “more exciting” project over at Arsenal, the player has revealed.
In late June, it was widely reported that Etihad Stadium officials had sent a formal bid to West Ham United for Declan Rice, with Manchester City proposing a deal worth £80 million plus a further £10 million in add-ons.
With that opening proposal rejected by the London Stadium club, Arsenal returned with their own improved proposal of £105 million, comprising of an initial £100 million and an extra £5 million in add-ons.
Manchester City would go on to pull themselves out of the race for the player having set very strict budgets around the England international, with Rice going on to finalise a switch to the North London club.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with The Athletic this week, Declan Rice has been quizzed on his decision to reject an approach from Manchester City last summer in favour of Mikel Arteta’s project at the Emirates Stadium.
“I know,” Declan Rice responded with a smile, when reminded of the fact that he could have been playing alongside Rodri at Manchester City during the ongoing season, as opposed to against the Spaniard in the Premier League title battle.
But this project seemed more exciting and that’s why I chose to come to Arsenal, because I believe we’re on to big things here,” Rice continued on his decision to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium over the Etihad.
For now, it remains to be seen whether Rice’s decision to join Arsenal over Manchester City will pay off at the first time of asking, with the two sides embroiled in a hotly-contested Premier League title battle.
City find themselves with the direction of the Premier League title firmly in their hands however, knowing that should they win the remainder of their four top-flight matches, they would be crowned champions once again.
This is nonsense – Chris Sutton left baffled by what he’s heard about Man City recently
Chris Sutton has said that he can’t believe one thing he’s heard about Manchester City recently.
After being knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, the Blues are now fighting to win another Premier League title before their FA Cup final clash against Manchester United.
Having seen City play eight games in total across April, one pundit has shared his thoughts on what the club have done recently, shutting down one particular claim he’s heard about them and their recent efforts on the pitch.
Sutton shuts down ‘nonsense’ claim about Man City.
Speaking in a recent episode of It’s All Kicking Off, Sutton had this to say after his co-presenter, Ian Ladyman, suggested that City have been grinding out results recently.
He said: “That’s utter nonsense. That actually is utter nonsense. Manchester City will probably tell you they are too tired to be emotional.
But can I just read you City’s last five results in the Premier League, grinding it out – 2-0 away at Forest, 4-0 away at Brighton, 5-1 at home to Luton, 4-2 away at an improving Palace team and 4-1 at home to Villa.
“That’s not grinding it out.”
Results are more important than performances for Man City at the moment.
In the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s side are currently one point behind Arsenal at the top of the league table but have a game in hand over the Gunners.
With Sutton highlighting the scores of City’s five previous league games, where they have found the back of the net 15 times in total and conceded four, this shows that the Blues haven’t necessarily scraped their way to these victories as Ladyman suggested.
Besides, in our view, at this stage of the season with another title on the line, the main focus for City is purely on the results rather than their performances.
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