Manchester City are reportedly preparing to make an opening bid for the West Ham captain following Ilkay Gundogan’s decision to not sign a new contract and join Barcelona on a free transfer.

The Gunners have made rice their priority target for the summer transfer window and they have so far seen two offers for Rice rejected by the Hammers.

The north London outfit had a first bid of £80million plus at least £10million in add-ons rejected last week for the England international before another offer, which remained under West Ham’s £100million asking price, was turned down on Tuesday.

Now, Premier League champions City have entered the race to sign the England international, with Pep Guardiola’s side preparing to make an offer.

The Champions Leage winners lost their long-serving captain Gundogan to Barcelona after the Germany international signed for Catalan giants on Wednesday to end his Etihad stint despite efforts by Pep Guardiola to keep him at the club.

Manchester City had offered the midfielder only a one-year extension while Barcelona handed him a two-year deal with an additional option of a further 12 months.