Pep Guardiola explains why Man City didn't sign Declan Rice

Speaking on Declan Rice's move to Arsenal, Pep Guardiola said: "For sure everybody knows City wanted him, we wanted him. He could play not just when Rodri could not.

 "At the end, Arsenal pushed more and wanted him more, maybe Arteta was more convincing than me, or the club itself, or their offer. We could afford it maybe less, that’s why."

Rice was the subject of an £80million bid from City who were not prepared to enter a bidding war once their opening offer was immediately rejected by the Hammers.

Arsenal subsequently opted to smash their transfer record by agreeing to a £105million fee with their London rivals.

Rice is expected to start today when both sides clash at the Emirates.