Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind Manchester City's tactical prowess, recently shed light on the club's failed bid to secure the services of Declan Rice from West Ham, revealing a staggering £90 million offer for the midfielder. However, Arsenal swooped in with a record-breaking £105 million deal, leaving City empty-handed in pursuing the English sensation.

Guardiola expressed his sentiments, stating, “Sometimes here we have many players we wanted, and they didn’t decide to join us. He's [Rice] not the first one who we wanted who didn't join us. We have a long list. Basically, they don't want to come or the price or whatever, so it could not happen. He made his decision, a good one, and good luck.”

The Manchester City manager highlighted Rice's undeniable talent, emphasizing that “All the teams in the Premier League would have signed Declan Rice. He's an international captain for the national team of England and a young player playing many games regularly.” Guardiola's acknowledgment of Rice's prowess underscores the midfielder's impact on English football.

The stakes couldn't be higher as Manchester City gears up for a crucial showdown against Arsenal on Easter Sunday. With Arsenal leading the Premier League standings, a defeat at the Etihad would significantly blow their title aspirations. However, a resilient performance could bolster their chances of clinching the coveted trophy come season.

Following the clash with Arsenal, Manchester City's focus shifts to a pivotal fixture against Aston Villa, where Guardiola's men aim to maintain their pursuit of league leaders. The upcoming matches present opportunities for City to assert dominance and solidify their position among the top contenders for silverware.

Despite missing out on Rice's signature, Guardiola remains determined to lead Manchester City to glory, harnessing his squad's collective talent and tenacity. As the Premier League title race intensifies, City's resolve will be tested, with each match serving as a crucial stepping stone towards achieving their ultimate goal.