Romano reveals Arsenal ‘swap deal’ stance as Rice is filmed telling a fan his club for next season
Arsenal have held “positive initial talks” over a deal for Declan Rice, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite the West Ham midfielder telling a fan he’s staying.
The Gunners are hoping to land Rice this summer with Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu making the England international their top priority for the upcoming transfer window.
Rice has had another brilliant season for the Hammers and topped it off last week by winning the Europa Conference League in a 2-1 win over Serie A side Fiorentina in the final.
Now the season is over Arsenal are getting serious with their interest and an article in The Sun claimed that Emile Smith Rowe – who spent much of the campaign out injured – could be used in a potential deal.
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An insider told The Sun: “West Ham know they are in a strong position with this deal which is why targeting a talent like Emile Smith Rowe has become part of the conversation at the club.
“Nobody can replace Declan Rice, but David Moyes is a big fan of Smith Rowe and thinks he could really help the team as they rebuild and plan for life after Declan Rice.
“For a long period Smith Rowe was one of Arsenal’s best players, but he has fallen down the pecking order a little bit. He won’t be a starter next season, but Arsenal aren’t keen to lose the player.
“However, if it means getting Rice and keeping him away from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, it could ultimately end up being a road they are forced to go down. Rice is their main summer target.”
But transfer expert Romano has now claimed that Arsenal want to hang onto Smith Rowe and have no intention of using him in a swap deal for Rice.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “One big story to look out for soon will be Declan Rice. Arsenal will enter into crucial stages of the deal next week. Positive initial talks have taken place in recent days, and Arsenal want to submit a proposal.
“However, I can’t at this stage confirm precisely when this bid will be made, or how much the opening offer will be – it depends on Arsenal.
“I’m aware of some reports of a swap deal…Emile Smith Rowe, however, is part of Arsenal’s plans for the future, they don’t want to let him go. Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the player, despite his fitness issues and lack of game time in the season just gone.”
A video shared on TikTok yesterday showed Rice being asked which club he was going to this summer, to which the midfielder replied: “Nowhere, I’m West Ham.”
When asked if he had to pick a side to move to, Rice added: “Nah, I don’t. West Ham’s my one.”
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