West Ham captain, Declan Rice, is believed to have reservations about joining Manchester City this summer.
Arsenal were the frontrunners to sign Rice until City entered the race this week.
The Gunners laid the groundwork for the midfielder’s move across London as far back as January but are now struggling to agree on a fee with the Hammers.
They have seen two bids already rejected for Rice.
It has left room for City to come in, with the Premier League champions looking to replace Ilkay Gundogan, who is off to Barcelona.
Playing for Pep Guardiola, widely regarded as the best of his generation, appeals to Rice, but the coach appears set to leave the Etihad in the summer of 2025.
While Rice’s role at Arsenal looks clearly defined, the picture at City is a little less certain given Rice’s skillset closely matches Rodri’s, who is one of, if not the first name on Guardiola’s teamsheet.
Rice is also aware of the problems Kalvin Phillips has encountered at City and the lack of game time his England team-mate was afforded last season following his move from Leeds United.