Declan Rice could switch to Arsenal ‘immediately’ amid West Ham United exit news – Sky Sports journalist
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice could switch to Arsenal “immediately” despite holding talks with Bayern Munich, according to Florian Plettenberg.
The Sky Sports Germany journalist noted that the Hammers ace has spoken to Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel over the phone about a potential switch to Germany.
But Plettenberg believes the Bundesliga outfit must act fast given Rice’s potentially rapid switch to Arsenal as soon as the transfer window opens.
“There was a phone call between Thomas Tuchel and Declan Rice,” said Plettenberg, as quoted by Sky Sport Germany. “Because he’s still at the top of the list.
“Of course they also know that they are running out of time. Arsenal are further along and he could switch to the Gunners immediately.”
Unsurprising summer target
Bayern Munich may have just lifted yet another Bundesliga title, narrowly edging rivals Borussia Dortmund to the trophy on the very last day of the season, but it’s clear that Tuchel is keen to strengthen his options this summer.
The German giants could lose a handful of key players over the coming months, so their reported pursuit of Rice is unsurprising, both given their need for world-class talent and his current ability and potential.
The West Ham ace is already starring in the Premier League, but he may just take his game to another level should he be surrounded by world-class players, both on the pitch and on the training ground.
While Bayern Munich are in hot pursuit of the West Ham star, Arsenal are also seemingly desperate to land his signature this summer, in what would be a direct replacement for the outgoing Granit Xhaka.
Unlike other deals that have already been agreed across many clubs, the saga involving Rice really could be a lengthy one until the player and indeed the Hammers are fully satisfied with the next steps.