Arsenal slammed for playing games with West Ham United as Harvey Barnes transfer twist emerges
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has slammed Arsenal for playing a “funny game” by dragging out the deal to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.
On Saturday morning (15 July), it was confirmed by the Hammers that Rice, 24, has left the London Stadium but no mention of Arsenal has been made in their statement with the North Londoners yet to announce the deal themselves.
While Arsenal were taking their time to complete the signing of the England midfielder, West Ham took a blow in their bid to sign Leicester City attacker Harvey Barnes.
On 7 July, The Guardian reported that West Ham had held talks to sign Barnes but barring any late twists, the former West Brom loan star will be heading to Newcastle in the coming days.
It is understood that deal will likely cost the Magpies £35million.
McAvennie is frustrated with West Ham’s failure to sign Barnes and he pins the blame both on Arsenal and also Hammers chairman David Sullivan for not spending funds he knew were going to come in.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Arsenal played a funny game with Declan Rice. If they had that over the line sooner, David Moyes would have got Harvey Barnes.
“It’s a hell of a situation and it’s made the club a bit unsteady. I don’t know why it took so long – were Arsenal stalling? It’s a strange one, it’s incredible.
“Mr Sullivan should’ve been going out and spending the money anyway on Harvey Barnes. He knew £100million was coming in so why not push for Barnes for £40million? Unless he was worried that money wasn’t going to be there.
“I don’t think the West Ham fans will be too happy if they don’t buy anyone because the team needs freshening up.
“You can’t live on that wonderful achievement.
“The league form last year was horrible so it needs to be freshened up and players need to be brought in.”
In other West Ham news, an “incredible” cash boost could head to the Hammers based on this Asian transfer speculation.