Newcastle have West Ham captain Declan Rice on their radar ahead of the summer transfer window and could rival Arsenal for his signature. The Hammers are said to be hoping for a fee in the region of £100million for the England international despite his current deal being set to expire in 2024.
football.london reported in January that the Gunners are prioritising a move for Rice ahead of next season as they look to bolster Mikel Arteta's options in midfield. The 24-year-old impressed against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon and he is said to be 'excited' about a potential switch to the Emirates Stadium.
Rice look destined to sign for Chelsea in recent years after he was let go by the Blues at a young age. However, the north Londoners are now frontrunners to sign the West Ham star this summer despite competition from the Magpies - who will be able to to compete financially following their Saudi Arabian takeover.
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A report from talkSPORT stated that Arsenal remain Rice’s most likely destination this summer despite the outside possibility of an ambitious swoop from Newcastle. The Hammers captain is "on the Magpies' radar" if they decide to move away from their cautious approach and spend big in the summer.
Newcastle’s Saudi owners are yet to spend big in the transfer market with reports suggesting their reluctance to overspend has been due to a fear of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. There is no suggestion that this would change despite the likelihood of them securing Champions League qualification with a top four finish this term.
Newcastle and Arsenal fans have reacted to the report on social media with some fans suggesting the Magpies could 'blow Arsenal out the water' with their financial power this summer. football.london takes a look at the best reactions to talkSPORT's report.
@ChappsRyan2000 tweeted: Ambitious swoop? Money wise we’d blow Arsenal out the water *laughing emoji*. If we get Champions League I reckon we have a better chance than Arsenal."
@Gammiepants posted: "Should go to Newcastle as is he as good as the 2 CDM arsenal have?"
@sykseybear tweeted: "He's not good enough for either club."
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