The January transfer window may be closed around Europe, but teams are looking ahead to the summer and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Arsenal confident on Rice move
Arsenal are confident they can land Declan Rice ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, who are all interested in the West Ham United midfielder, as per the Evening Standard.
The report reveals that the Gunners feel that with their title charge, alongside the promise of Champions League football next season, that they are in pole position to sign the 24-year-old, who is their priority signing for the summer.
Arsenal were thought to have been interested in signing Rice in January, however, West Ham were not prepared to let the midfielder leave in the midst of a relegation fight.
Arsenal are looking to build a team that can compete in Europe next season, as well as domestically, with Rice seen as the perfect fit for the club. Rice has made his desire to play in the Champions League and win trophies clear in recent months, further escalating rumours regarding a transfer.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for Rice in recent months, as he is a former academy prospect and has a close relationship with Blues midfielder Mason Mount. However, with Mount’s own uncertain future at Stamford Bridge and the likelihood of no Champions League qualification, a move by Chelsea for Rice is doubtful.
Both Manchester clubs have also been reported to hold an interest in Rice, with City, in particular, believed to be in the market for a midfielder in the summer. Captain Ilkay Gundogan could depart the Etihad at the end of the season, which could increase the need for midfield reinforcements.
