Pep Guardiola ‘has held talks with Declan Rice over transfer’ as Arsenal chances rated

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has held talks with West Ham star Declan Rice, according to a new report, but the midfielder is still most likely to sign for Arsenal.

Arsenal are still said to be at the forefront of the race for a player they have been chasing since January, it has been claimed.

The Gunners made Rice their primary target in January, with the Daily Mirror claiming in April that manager Mikel Arteta would open talks as soon as the season ends in an attempt to convince the 24-year-old to move to the Emirates Stadium.

West Ham’s campaign will end almost two weeks after Arsenal’s, with the Hammers contesting the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Rice has stated his only focus is on that final, as he looks to win the first trophy of his senior career.

But the saga over his future could begin in earnest after the clash in Prague, with Arsenal, Newcastle and Bayern Munich among the clubs linked with a move for the midfielder.

According to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Guardiola has spoken to Rice ahead of a potential move this summer. However, City are not seeking to replace star defensive midfielder Rodri.

Furthermore, it is claimed that interest from Newcastle is unlikely to result in a successful bid, while Chelsea’s failure to qualify for European football is set to rule them out of the race, as well as the potential departure of Rice’s friend Mason Mount.

The report adds, therefore, that Arsenal remain the ‘cleanest choice’ for both Rice and West Ham, with the Daily Mail previously claiming that the Gunners are willing to launch an initial bid of £90 million to sign the 24-year-old.

Arteta wants to sign Rice for his offensive qualities, as well as his defensive attributes – and the midfielder will hope to add silverware to his cabinet this month ahead of what could prove to be a defining summer in his career.