WEST HAM BELIEVE DECLAN RICE HAS CHOSEN BETWEEN ARSENAL AND MANCHESTER CITY.

West Ham believe Declan Rice has chosen between Arsenal and Manchester City.

Declan Rice is still embroiled in a transfer war between Arsenal and Manchester City, with both attempting to reach an agreement with his club. West Ham United

Declan Rice is awaiting a decision from Arsenal after West Ham turned down a £90 million proposal from Manchester City.

The Gunners are preparing a third bid for the England midfielder and Hammers captain, with West Ham seeking at least £100 million. City had been lurking but ratcheted up their interest with a £90m bid that included £80m up front with add-ons.

That still fell short of West Ham's value, and it is now up to Arsenal to make a new offer, though the two teams are said to be in ongoing talks to attempt to reach an agreement.

West Ham are aware that Rice had made his decision and preferred a move to the Emirates before to City's late interest, which only materialized after Ilkay Gundogan opted to leave and join Barcelona on a free transfer.

Treble-winning City may have expected to be in first place fast, but they only matched Arsenal's second bid of £90 million, despite the fact that the structure of the deal would have been more tempting. West Ham are frustrated because they want to move on and complete any transaction so they can make their own plans for the upcoming season.

Arsenal's last bid was valued up to £90 million, making Rice one of the most expensive English players in history, although it was made up of £75 million up front and £15 million in add-ons.

West Ham expect Arsenal to respond with a £100 million bid, as the Gunners are convinced Rice wants to join them, stay in London, and be a part of Mikel Arteta's long-term ambitions.

Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a £40 million deal for Ajax's versatile right-sided defender Jurrien Timber, who is also interested in moving to the Emirates. Departures are also expected, with Rob Holding, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun, and Kierney being targeted, as well as Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.

Mateo Kovacic's arrival from Chelsea has been unveiled as City's first signing of the summer. The Croatian has signed a four-year contract at the Etihad and will join Guardiola's squad for pre-season.

However, with Guardiola anxious to continue expanding from a position of enormous strength, they might also sign Rice. Josko Gvardiol, Kovacic's international teammate, is also on City's wishlist.