Arsenal 'in communication' to complete deal for 2 Premier League superstars this summer - Reports
Arsenal are reportedly in contact with Chelsea ace Mason Mount and West Ham United captain Declan Rice over possible summer transfers. The English pair will become free agents in 2024 and are not expected to renew their deal with their respective club.
In his CaughtOffside column, super agent Haydn Dodge said that the Premier League leaders are keen to land both midfield players this summer. Liverpool, Newcastle United and Chelsea are interested in Rice, but the north Londoners are reportedly leading the race after establishing communication with him.
Dodge said:
“I know Mason Mount was a big target for Liverpool around the same time, but both Mount and Rice may be Arsenal-bound, and I know there are some communications with Arsenal to have those two based in their midfield. I think Rice suits Arsenal’s style of play and has everything needed as a modern day midfielder, but that equally applies to Chelsea and Liverpool.”
As per Express Sport, West Ham United want at least £100 million for their star man this summer. Despite the astronomical price tag, there's hope that the Gunners could seal the deal this summer.
Rice has been with West Ham since 2017. He has played 237 games for them across competitions, scoring 14 times and claiming 13 assists. Mount, meanwhile, has been in contact with Chelsea over a possible renewal for quite a while, but an agreement is yet to be reached.
The England international reportedly asked for a £250,000-per-week deal to commit his long-term future to Chelsea, which Todd Boehly and Co. did not agree. That caused talks to come to a halt. However, there has been some progress lately, with Boehley now reportedly prepared to give Mount a one or two-year extension.
Academy graduate Mount, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, has played 195 games for the Pensioners across competitions, scoring 33 times and providing 37 assists.
Barcelona prepared to sell Raphinha to Arsenal to fund Lionel Messi transfer
According to Spanish outlet Diario AS (via Metro), La Liga giants Barcelona could sell Raphinha to Arsenal to pave the road for Lionel Messi’s return. Mikel Arteta's side are believed to be interested in acquiring the right winger's services.
The Blaugrana signed Raphinha from Leeds United for £55 million last summer. The winger has not been consistent but has amassed nine goals and ten assists in 42 games. It has been claimed that while the player remains in Xavi’s plans, some board members are willing to let him go for the right offer.
Selling Raphinha would help Barcelona fall in line with the Financial Fair Play rules. They have to reduce their wage bill or generate £177.1 million from player sales to be able to sign and register new players.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi has emerged as a summer target, with communications already underway. It's believed that Raphinha’s departure could help Barcelona bring their record scorer back as a free agent this summer.