West Ham willing to sell £100m-rated Declan Rice amid Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool interest - Paper Round
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Updated 09/05/2023 at 08:27 GMT+1
Arsenal lead the race for West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who will be allowed to leave the London Stadium if a "suitable offer" is made for the £100 million-rated star. Elsewhere, incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino is already making transfer plans for Chelsea, Granit Xhaka could leave Arsenal this summer and David de Gea's future as No. 1 at Manchester United is under threat.
Ten Hag: 'De Gea has my full belief'
West Ham willing to sell Rice this summer
West Ham United are growing closer to accepting that club captain Declan Rice will leave this summer. The 24-year-old has previously expressed his desire to play for a Champions League-level club and has been linked with a number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. West Ham value Rice at £100m, but may be forced to accept a lower fee due to his contract situation.
The Mail confirms: "West Ham are resigned to losing Declan Rice this summer if an appropriate offer arrives for their £100million-rated captain.
"The England midfielder’s contract expires in 2024 and West Ham can trigger a one-year extension. But sources have said they will have to sell this summer because Rice is ready to leave to compete for the biggest trophies.
"Rice has made no secret of his ambition to play in the Champions League. Arsenal are favourites to sign him, but Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also admirers.
"West Ham feel an exit is inevitable, but will only sell if the right offer arrives."
Pochettino prepares Chelsea transfer plans
Mauricio Pochettino is already planning for a big summer as he grows closer to being appointed as the new permanent manager of Chelsea. The former Spurs boss is reportedly keen on signing at least three new first-team players for the Blues, but he knows that the club will be forced to offload a number of players due to their inflated squad and the Financial Fair Play restrictions.
The Mail reports: "Incoming Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino is targeting a new spine to his team this summer but accepts his hands are tied due to the club’s bloated squad.
"Pochettino, it is understood, has identified a new goalkeeper, a central midfielder and a No. 9 as the three positions he would ideally look to strengthen during the close season.
"The former Tottenham boss ideally wants to add players with Premier League pedigree."
Xhaka could leave Arsenal
Arsenal could part ways with Granit Xhaka this summer, despite the fact that the Swiss midfielder has enjoyed a successful season in a new advanced midfield role. The 30-year-old is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen and could be tempted to return to Germany as Arsenal look to sign a number of new central midfielders this summer. Xhaka will face fierce competition for first-team football next season, which could influence his decision.
The Mirror reports: "Bayer Leverkusen are desperate to sign Granit Xhaka this summer.
"Switzerland captain Xhaka, 30, faces a dilemma whether to return to German football or to stay at Arsenal with the Gunners likely to make two significant midfield signings this summer.
"It is not certain that Xhaka will leave, the fee could be less than £20m because of his age and contract, but any final decision could rest with him, such is the respect in which he is held."
De Gea's role under threat
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has refused to give any assurances to David de Gea regarding the starting spot in goal at Old Trafford next season. The Spanish stopper has made a number of high-profile errors in recent weeks and United have been exploring their options of signing a new goalkeeper this summer. However, it is expected that De Gea will sign a contract extension with the Manchester club.
The Telegraph reveals: "David de Gea has been given no assurances he will remain Manchester United’s No1 goalkeeper next season, even though he is edging closer to agreeing a new contract with the club.
"United are one of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya’s many admirers and they have also looked at Diogo Costa, of Porto, among others.
"A decision also has to be made on the future of Dean Henderson, who has spent the season on loan at Nottingham Forest but his campaign was recently ended by a thigh injury that required surgery. United seem likely to try to cash in on Henderson, who wants to be a first choice goalkeeper."
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