Peter Lynch

Sun 30 April 2023 14:40, UK

West Ham have been handed a major transfer boost as Arsenal could turn to Mason Mount instead of Declan Rice this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners have been strongly linked with a move for the Hammers captain as the North London club “really appreciate” the young midfielder, as per Fabrizio Romano.

But Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Chelsea star Mount, who represents a much cheaper option than Rice.

“Arteta’s resolve to sign Rice has only been strengthened by Arsenal’s successes this season, with the club having secured Champions League football for the first time since 2016,” according to the Daily Mail.

“However, the Spaniard is weighing up whether it would be more beneficial to split Rice’s potential transfer fee across a number of positions, seeing as Arsenal have significantly missed William Saliba in defence since his back injury.

“This, in theory, would only increase Mount’s chances of moving across to north London next season, with the midfielder expected to leave on a cut-price deal as a result of his ongoing contract impasse.”

Hope for the Hammers

Many West Ham fans have been consigned to losing their star midfielder and passionate club captain Rice for a couple of years now, with the 24-year-old deserving of lining out for a Champions League club.

He definitely has the ability to play for any of the top Premier League teams, but has shown superb loyalty to stay with the Hammers in recent seasons.

However, with his contract approaching its final 12 months, along with the dangers that West Ham are currently undergoing in the league, it seems that this season will be Rice’s last at the club.

The East London outfit won’t want him to leave, but this summer is definitely the best time for the Hammers to gain as big a fee as possible for the talented midfielder.

But there may just be a glimmer of hope for Hammers supporters that the fan favourite puts all the talk to bed and stays in claret and blue, although it is unlikely.