Man Utd tipped to make ‘appealing’ swap deal offer to snatch £120m Arsenal target from West Ham

Lewis Oldham 13 May 2023 3:58 PM

Stan Collymore thinks Man Utd could make an “appealing” swap deal offer to sign Arsenal target Declan Rice from West Ham this summer.

Rice is rightly regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and he is expected to leave West Ham during this summer’s transfer window.

The England international has come into his own in recent months as he has helped David Moyes’ side move clear of the relegation zone.

Arsenal are understood to be leading the race to sign the centre-midfielder, but several Big Six clubs are keen to sign him.

It was claimed earlier this week that Rice is valued at £120m by West Ham. Erik ten Hag was reportedly ‘awestruck’ by the 24-year-old during Man Utd’s 1-0 loss to the Hammers earlier this month and he has now ‘rocketed’ to the top of the manager’s transfer wishlist.

Collymore is “not convinced” that Arsenal have the necessary funds to sign Rice from their London rivals.

“He’s obviously in demand and is likely to be at the centre of a summer battle but I actually think going to Manchester United would be the best move for Declan Rice,” Collymore told Caught Offside.

“I know that may annoy some Arsenal fans due to the Gunners being so heavily linked with him, but with West Ham wanting £120m, I’m not convinced they’re going to have the money to get a deal done.

“I’m not saying Arsenal can’t afford to spend £120m, but you would assume that would be the bulk of their budget, so should they put all their eggs in one basket? – I’m not so sure because in order for them to continue to improve, they’re going to need more than one big signing.”

Collymore thinks Man Utd could offer Scott McTominay to West Ham as part of a big-money swap deal for Rice.

“For Manchester United, Rice is the exact type of midfielder they’ve been crying out for, for years. He’s powerful, dynamic and can run box-to-box for days,” Collymore added.

“Although the Red Devils probably wouldn’t want to splash £120m on one midfielder, especially when we all know how much Erik Ten Hag wants a new striker, I can definitely see a situation where they offer some money and a player.

“I think including Scott McTominay in an offer would be quite appealing to West Ham. Manchester United’s biggest obstacle will be convincing the player to relocate out of London but if Rice is up for moving further north, I think he could really thrive under Ten Hag.”

Manchester United Declan Rice