West Ham United are open to a part-exchange deal for Declan Rice, thus opening a new door for suitors like Manchester United.
According to Football Transfers, West Ham United are open to considering part-exchange deals for Declan Rice. The England midfielder has at least two serious suitors, while Manchester United also plan to join the race. The three sides can have players that may tempt the Hammers.
The Declan Rice saga is beginning to see a new twist with each passing day. For an extended period, Arsenal were the favourites, and the midfielder only wanted to join them. Since the Gunners have seen two of their bids rejected, with the latest one a £90 million offer lodged on Tuesday, Manchester City have joined the race.
Manchester City formalised their interest on Thursday, as per David Ornstein, and are reportedly expected to make a bid. Few reports indicated their offer was already made, and it was similar to Arsenal’s, only the structure was better. It’s a blow for the Gunners if Pep Guardiola’s side pursues this race with all vigour.
On Wednesday, reports emerged of Manchester United’s interest in Rice. The Red Devils are seemingly open to adding players as part of the deal for the £100 million-rated Arsenal target. That report mentioned Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay. But a Daily Mail story on Thursday indicated it was Anthony Elanga instead of the Scot.
The Mail report also claimed Manchester United enquired with a £40 million cash offer on top of those two players. West Ham are holding out for around £100 million, and now they might consider a part-exchange offer if it meets their requirements.
The Football Transfers article discusses West Ham’s potential interest in Folarin Balogun. The USMNT striker has risen to prominence after a stellar loan spell at Stade Reims. He also scored in his second game for the US national side, which makes him a hot target in the European market.
West Ham may have discussed the possibility of the striker with Arsenal as part of the Rice deal, but Mikel Arteta remains keen to test him in pre-season. The Gunners will also discuss his future with Balogun and might negotiate separately with the Hammers later.
Meanwhile, Manchester City might also ponder adding a player to the equation. They might see Kalvin Phillips as dispensable. But the England midfielder has reiterated his desire to stay and fight for a place. Considering everything, part-exchange deals usually involve double the effort of a normal one.
Hence, clubs will look to negotiate a standalone deal for the £100 million-rated midfielder. At this stage, Arsenal remains the favourite but is in danger of slipping up if Manchester City make a concerted bid towards signing the West Ham captain.
