German media think the actions of Arsenal prove they’re panicking about missing out on West Ham star Declan Rice.
It looks increasingly likely that the battle to sign Declan Rice from West Ham will be between Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
Hammers News has been covering the twists, turns and developments of what promises to be one of the biggest deals of the summer transfer window.
It will also be a record deal for Arsenal or Bayern Munich if they meet West Ham’s asking price.
There has been claim and counter claim about who Rice might choose between Bayern, the Gunners or other clubs reportedly interested such as Man United.
West Ham fans know Rice will not be allowing himself to be distracted by the tittle tattle surrounding him until after the massive Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina on Wednesday night.
German media think Arsenal actions prove they’re panicking about missing out on West Ham star Declan Rice
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is said to be planning to add a personal touch to Arsenal’s attempts to sign Rice from West Ham.
But a German journalist claimed Bayern are willing to blow Arsenal out of the water by meeting West Ham’s demands for the England midfielder after Thomas Tuchel made him his number one target.
It was then reported that Tuchel and Rice have “spoken on the phone” and Rice is “open” to joining Bayern.
Turmoil at Bayern since looked like it would seriously play into Arsenal’s hands.
The clearest indication that Arteta is making space for Rice at Arsenal is the impending departure of Granit Xhaka.
But German media think the actions of Arsenal prove they’re panicking about missing out on West Ham star Rice.
According to Kicker, Arsenal have put Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen on hold until they are sure they will be able to sign Rice.
Gunners put Xhaka move on hold until they are certain of replacement
The report says Arsenal are ‘not completely out of the race’ to sign Rice, but insists negotiations are well underway behind the scenes between Bayern, West Ham and the midfielder’s camp.
“Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka is nearing a move to Bayer Leverkusen but as of now, the transfer is on hold,” the report states.
“This is because Arsenal want to sign a top-class replacement for Xhaka with the Premier League club interested in both Declan Rice (West Ham) and Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City). Both clubs are competing in European finals this week and so all negotiations are suspended until after the UEFA Europa Conference League (Wednesday) and Champions League (Saturday) finals.
“Arsenal also face competition from Bayern Munich to sign Rice as the Bundesliga club look to intensify their efforts to sign the England international. Whilst the Gunners aren’t completely out of the race, Rice could imagine a move to Bayern with negotiations between both parties already taking place.”
Panic is good for West Ham. Because panic leads to desperation and desperation means pound signs for the Hammers.
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