Man City tipped for Rice hijack as 'embarrassing' Arsenal slammed - pundit

By Gabriel Agbonlahor

20th Jun, 2023 | 4:27pm

Agbonlahor tips Man City to hijack Declan Rice deal after 'embarrassing' Arsenal update - 'I've heard...'

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Arsenal must “buck their ideas up” in the pursuit of Declan Rice or risk losing him to Man City.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, slammed the Gunners’ “embarrassing” bids for the 24-year-old.

According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein (20 June), West Ham have rejected a second bid from Arsenal for Rice worth a potential £90million.

He claims Man City are also “actively exploring” a move for the Irons captain.

Rice notched five goals and four assists in 50 games in the 2022-23 campaign as West Ham lifted the Europa Conference League.

The England star has just 12 months left to run on his contract at the London Stadium.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Arsenal need to buck their ideas up.

“They did this with Mudryk and lost out. Mudryk didn’t do too well, but he’ll be better next season.

“If you mess about, it’s going to give Man City the chance to come in.

“I heard the offer Arsenal made was embarrassing.

“I agree with West Ham. If you want a big player like Rice, you pay a big amount up front.

“They shouldn’t be messing about, they should have it done as soon as possible.

“That lets other players see Rice coming in, and they’ll want to join as well.”

In other news, Man City ready to accept £70million offer for star man.