15 Jun 2023 10:27:23
Morning Ed002.

David Ornstein is reporting that Arsenal's first offer has been rejected by West Ham for Declan Rice and that Man City are working on a proposal.

Do you know if there is a preference for the player to stay in London? I'm really hoping City don't scupper this one for Arsenal!

{Ed002's Note - Declan Rice (DM) There remains interest from Manchester United even having signed Casemiro. The interest of Manchester City went with the signing of Kalvin Phillips although I would not totally discount them as they are looking to upgrade Phillips - but they have preferred options. Chelsea lost out on their preferred target last summer and the club is supportive of looking again to have Declan Rice return to Stamford Bridge, something that I understand will be acceptable to the player, but I also understand Chelsea have preferred options. If Arsenal were to move Xhaka and Elneny on then they would have space in the squad, but they have a preferred target, although they cannot be discounted. A wildcard would be Bayern Munich. West Ham will resist a move, but if the player were to push for it they would have to reconsider that position. The player has rejected offers to sign a new contract so the reality will bite this summer and West Ham have been looking at potential replacements. Will be significantly expensive. Liverpool have not declared an interest nor would he be an alternative to Bellingham.}

1.) 15 Jun 2023
15 Jun 2023 12:55:39
City fans seem to think West Ham will take Phillips off their hands and they'll get Rice. It could just be City messing with Arsenal though like they messed with Chelsea over Cucurella. I don't know if that ever actually happens, but that was how the rumour mill went last summer.

2.) 19 Jun 2023
19 Jun 2023 11:47:36
Talk of West Ham looking at Paulinha from Fulham - would be a decent replacement for Rice imo and would cost the bank either.