West Ham have received a major Barcelona boost in their hopes of replacing Declan Rice after a Sofyan Amrabat twist.
As West Ham fans know only too well, the Europa Conference League final was Declan Rice’s last appearance for the club ahead of a mega money summer move.
That game was billed as a battle of two of the best and most in demand central midfielders in Europe as Rice came up against Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.
West Ham won the game and their first trophy in 43 years but Amrabat seriously impressed.
Prior to that match West Ham had been heavily linked with a potential move for Amrabat as a replacement for Rice.
His superb performances alongside West Ham star Nayef Aguerd at the World Cup put him on the radar of some of Europe’s elite clubs.
But after West Ham denied Amrabat and his teammates European glory, links resurfaced over a potential switch to the London Stadium.
Amrabat’s brother confirmed West Ham’s interest after the final but suggested the midfielder was eyeing a move to Barcelona instead.
And according to Tuttomercatoweb this week, the 26-year-old is firmly on the summer transfer window radar of David Moyes as Rice’s replacement.
Interest from the likes of Barca has always been ominous for the Hammers. Especially as they look to replace Sergio Busquets.
But West Ham have received a major Barcelona boost in their hopes of replacing Rice after a big Amrabat twist.
“Barcelona will not sign Sofyan Amrabat this summer,” Football Espana reported last night.
“As per Gerard Romero, a deal for the Moroccan international has been ruled out.”
There was further good news for West Ham in the report too.
Atletico Madrid have also been linked with Amrabat and the article states Barcelona’s withdrawal is good news for their La Liga rivals.
But it goes on to claim Atletico have other priorities including Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
This could well leave West Ham as Amrabat’s best and biggest option on the table for his summer move.
And that would certainly take the edge off losing Rice.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
Sun journalist makes Man City claim Sullivan will love as Arsenal show themselves up.
Sheth confirms exact make-up of second offer as Arsenal submit record bid for Rice.
‘Next few days crucial’ as exciting claim made about West Ham bid for triple league champ.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
