Bayern Munich have seemingly given up on signing Declan Rice amid the competition from Arsenal, and West Ham are already looking at replacements.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Bayern Munich are looking at Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as an alternative to West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Di Marzio claims Bayern wanted to sign Rice, but as the player is leaning towards Arsenal, they’re moving on to Amrabat.
In another positive sign for Arsenal’s bid to sign Rice, West Ham are starting to look at replacements for the midfielder.
The Telegraph claim negotiations over an Arsenal move for Rice are now advancing, and West Ham are looking to bring in Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse, and Ajax’s Edson Alvarez with the proceeds of the deal.
The same outlet confirms Arsenal are the frontrunners for Rice ahead of Bayern and Manchester United.
Speaking to FIVE, David Ornstein reports that the sense in the industry is that Arsenal will try to rapidly close an agreement with West Ham, and that they appear to have the best chance as things stand.
Whilst there are various other clubs in the race, there are factors that make those moves less likely.
Despite some conversations taking place with Manchester United, Ornstein reports that the sense is that they aren’t going to press on with a move, and Manchester City also aren’t as advanced as Arsenal.
The likes of Newcastle United and Bayern Munich are viewed as less appealing as they would involve a major relocation. Rice would also prefer to move to a club more established near the top than Newcastle.
Then Chelsea are missing the Champions League football Rice is after, and their former pursuit of the midfielder has also been more harmful than helpful.
So whilst things could quickly change, Arsenal are clearly at the front of the pack right now.
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that Rice is likely to leave this summer.
“I think it has to be [his last game],” Sullivan said. “We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.
“You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season. He has to get on and we have to get a replacement.
“You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”