Record offer brings Rice battle to the boil

LONDON — Manchester City on Tuesday announced it had completed the signing of Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea as the European champion's bidding war with Arsenal over Declan Rice heats up.

Treble winner City said the 29-year-old Kovacic has signed a four-year contract after the clubs reportedly agreed an initial fee of 25 million ($32 million), with a potential 5 million pounds in add-ons.

City could soon add another world-class midfielder to its ranks if it can lure rising England star Rice away from Arsenal's clutches.

Sky Sports News reported that Arsenal has made a third bid of 105 million pounds for the 24-year-old Rice, which, if accepted by West Ham, would make him the most expensive British player in history.

On Monday, City reportedly offered 80 million pounds up front, plus 10 million pounds in add-ons to counter the Gunners' initial 90-million-pound bid (fee of 75 million pounds plus 15 million pounds in add-ons).

West Ham reportedly values Rice at 120 million pounds.

Kovacic joins Pep Guardiola's side after five years at Chelsea, where he won the Champions League and Europa League and made 221 appearances. Before joining Chelsea, he was a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid.

He is City's first signing of the transfer window and his arrival compensates for the departure of Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona on a free transfer on Monday after seven years at the club.

"This is a brilliant move for me and I cannot wait to get started with City," said Kovacic.

"Anyone who has watched this team under Pep knows how good they are. For me, they are the best in the world."

Bayern's Kane chase

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur is holding firm so far amid Bayern Munich's interest in Harry Kane.

Sky Sports Germany reported that Tottenham rejected a verbal offer of 70 million euros ($77 million) for the 30-year-old England international, who has one year left on his Spurs contract.

Just like last summer when Manchester United inquired about Kane, the north London club insists that its all-time leading scorer is not for sale, but Bayern is keen to test Spurs' resolve and could return with a higher formal offer.

Agencies via Xinhua