The 24-year-old is a better fit for Mikel Arteta’s team, but Pep Guardiola is offering guaranteed silverware at the Etihad Stadium.
When the window opened, it appeared as if Rice was almost certain to join last season’s runners-up, with Arsenal getting their first bid in nice and early. However, their opening offer was promptly rejected, as was their second, leading to reports that West Ham were more than a little upset with the Gunners for undervaluing their most prized possession.
On Wednesday, it was claimed that Manchester United were ready to try hijack Arsenal’s deal by making Scott McTominay or Harry Maguire a part of the deal. Given the Hammers’ reported interest in signing the former anyway, such a player-plus-cash offer could appeal to the Hammers.
But then so could seeing Rice join Manchester City for a hefty fee and Kalvin Phillips move in the opposite direction. West Ham were interested in signing the former Leeds United ace while he was still plying his trade at Elland Road and, according to an ESPN report published later on the same day, City are willing to make the England international a part of their bid.
Rice would obviously give serious consideration to a move to the Etihad. Any player with a high ceiling for improvement would obviously be tempted by the prospect of working with Pep Guardiola, the game’s most revered coach. But would City really be the right move at this moment in time?
