EFL soured back to action in the sunny month of August last year when a lot was at stake for Manchester United who began their first season under the new boss, Erik Ten Hag. The Dutchman promptly took authority and finished the season with a third-placed Premier League finish and EFL cup in the cabinet.
Amidst the chaos of the takeover of the club, Manchester United transfer’s team look to get hold of their priority targets in the early parts of the transfer window. It is a well-known fact that Erik Ten Hag is looking to rejuvenate several areas on the pitch but not more so than a centre forward and a midfielder.
Manchester United to offer captain Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay to entice Hammers
With one of the hottest English talents available on the market, there is a list of clubs trying their luck. Declan Rice has made his ambitions clear to leave West Ham after winning the Europa Conference League. The defensive midfielder has been a part of West Ham for the best part of 5 years. Last season, Rice played a total of 50 matches for the Hammers, scoring 5 times and grabbed up 4 assists.
After West Ham rejected the second bid from Arsenal of $95 million for their captain, the race started to heat up. Manchester United have been in search of a midfielder and has had eyes on players like Mason Mount and Declan Rice.
According to the Telegraph, the Red Devils are set to make a player swap offer to try and sign Declan Rice. Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire who made just 16 appearances in the Premier League last season and Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay are reportedly the ones to be a part of this deal. The Telegraph also go on to mention that Maguire’s wages can act as a stumbling block during the negotiations.
Arsenal’s ambition to land Rice gets tricky following bid rejection
The Athletic reported that West Ham rejected two significant bids from their London rivals Arsenal. The second bid from Arsenal was worth $95 million plus $19 million in add-ons, if accepted it would have been their club record signing overtaking Nicolas Pepe who was bought to the Emirates for $92 million.
🚨 Arsenal have now made a 2nd, improved offer to West Ham for Declan Rice. £75m + £15m add-ons. Club-record proposal for 24yo England midfielder expected to be turned down by #WHUFC – but #AFC getting closer to acceptable fee for top target @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/awJcPUitmf
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 20, 2023
The Athletic also recently reported the English champions, Manchester City are heavily interested in the pursuit of Declan Rice. With the departure of their skipper, Ilkay Gündogan to FC Barcelona, Man City are looking to boost their midfield. Many reports also suggest Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have played their last game in Arsenal colours.
🚨 Manchester City expected to submit an offer to West Ham for Declan Rice today. #MCFC have serious interest in recruiting 24yo England midfielder + it is anticipated a formal bid will be lodged soon to rival Arsenal for signing @TheAthleticFC #WHUFC #AFC https://t.co/6ZNtsYPSOh
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 22, 2023
It has not yet been a fortnight since the transfer window opened and there are already glimpses that we are up for another scintillating summer of speculation and tantalizing drama. The pursuit for the English defensive midfielder Declan Rice is heating up with every passing day. There is no doubt that the team which manages to cross the line are surely getting one of the best young midfielders in Europe. Although it is to be seen if West Ham will budge or if the pursuing clubs need to break their banks.
Which club do you think will ultimately secure the signing of Declan Rice this summer? Let us know your thoughts!
