Transfer Centre

West Ham United 'open to swap deal for Arsenal-linked Declan Rice'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 25 May 2023

West Ham 'open to swap deal for Arsenal-linked Rice'

West Ham United are reportedly open to negotiating a swap deal involving in-demand midfielder Declan Rice this summer amid interest from Arsenal.

West Ham United are reportedly open to negotiating a swap deal involving in-demand midfielder Declan Rice this summer.

The 24-year-old is widely expected to depart the London Stadium this summer, with manager David Moyes admitting that there is a "good chance" that the Hammers captain will leave the club.

Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for Rice's signature at present, with Mikel Arteta identifying the England international as his number one midfield target ahead of the 2023-24 season.

The likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest in Rice, who is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024, although West Ham have the option to trigger a 12-month extension.

According to FootballTransfers, West Ham's hierarchy are keen to receive a significant upfront lump sum for Rice between £85m and £95m.

West Ham United's Declan Rice celebrates scoring their third goal on April 20, 2023 © Reuters

However, the report adds that Hammers boss Moyes wants to negotiate a part-exchange swap deal with the Gunners that would help him immediately bolster his squad.

Arsenal trio Reiss Nelson, Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi Lokonga are all said to have been identified by Moyes as possible summer targets.

Nelson has been strongly linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer, with his contract due to expire at the end of next month.

Arsenal are understood to have offered the 23-year-old winger a new four-year contract, but having struggled for regular game time under Arteta this season, he may consider a fresh challenge elsewhere.

The likes of West Ham, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham and AC Milan are all believed to hold an interest in Nelson, who has scored three goals and provided two assists in 10 substitute appearances for the Gunners in the Premier League this season.

Folarin Balogun warms up for Arsenal in December 2021 © Reuters

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Balogun has excelled during a loan spell in Ligue 1 with Reims this term, scoring 20 league goals in 35 appearances.

The attacker, who is under contract at the Emirates until 2025, is facing an uncertain future at Arsenal, though, as it remains to be seen whether he fits into Arteta's first-team plans for next season.

Lokonga, 23, is another who may be allowed to leave the North Londoners, just two years after joining the club from Anderlecht for around £17m.

The Belgian midfielder, who has allegedly attracted interest from Burnley, has spent the second half of this season on loan at Crystal Palace, making nine Premier League appearances including six starts.