West Ham have rejected Arsenal's opening bid as the north London club races to sign star midfielder Declan Rice as Manchester City emerge as shock rivals prepare to compete for the signature of the Hammers captain.
The north London club has long been the favoured option ahead of a likely summer move for the England star, despite overtures from a number of top flight clubs.
Rivals to secure Rice's services have included Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea, but their interest has waned after confronting the reality of Rice's reported desire to join Mikel Arteta's side.