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.