Guardiola throws towel in on Rice pursuit as Arsenal close in on midfielder

Manchester City will not be the next destination for Declan Rice, the Premier League's most sought-after talent. The West Ham midfielder is now very close to becoming the new signing of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. It is a move that could revolutionise the upcoming season in England. 

This was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, who claims that City have pulled out of the bidding and will not match the terms of Arsenal's latest offer. The Gunners have offered a record transfer fee of more than 105 million euros which could be final. They have been left on their own. 

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No bidding war

It was clear to Manchester City that they had to avoid at all costs a two-way fight with Arsenal, a situation that was beginning to occur in recent days. City were asking for a commitment and a clear decision from the player that never came. Rice was always more open to Arteta's proposal than to Guardiola's. The price tag for the midfielder was a huge one. 

And that fee, moreover, was being increased as a result of this bidding between two 'giants' of the league, from which only West Ham benefited. For Arsenal, however, this is a strategic signing and a blow on the table to face the next Premier League season. 

The two clubs are now negotiating the fee structure and it looks like Rice's arrival at the Emirates is only a matter of time. Should the deal be confirmed, the 24-year-old midfielder will become the most expensive signing in Arsenal's history. It will be a record fee for a British player in the Premier League. 

Talent

Rice is the signing of the summer in the Premier League. The West Ham player is by far the best talent outside the 'Big Six' and one of the best pivots in the league with the permission of Rodri Hernandez. His departure was an open secret. 

With him, West Ham won the first European title in their history and a first trophy in 43 years after that FA Cup in 1980. He is and always will be an idol at the Irons. He is an example on and off the pitch and he has been given the well-deserved opportunity of a new challenge at the highest level.