DECLAN RICE is Arsenal's priority signing of the summer and negotiations with West Ham have now progressed to an advanced stage.
The Gunners are looking to pay a club record £90m for Rice, while the Hammers value him at £110m.
It is expected that the two clubs will agree on a £100m compromise, with the potential for a further £10m in bonus payments and add-ons.
And Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Arsenal can seal the deal on time for the first Premier League fixtures which are set to be revealed today.
Elsewhere, the Gunners are reportedly lining up a shocking swoop for Chelsea star Kai Havertz this summer.
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Stay up to date with all the latest from the Emirates Stadium…
- By Anthony Chapman
Morning, Arsenal fans
Declan Rice seems certain to join Arsenal after West Ham accepted it's the England midfielder's dream move.
The Gunners should land Rice ahead of Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich for somewhere between £90million and a British record £110m.
The Hammers' skipper, 24, will be the first recruit of boss Mikel Arteta's expected summer shake-up.
Brighton powerhouse Moises Caicedo is still being mentioned as a possible partner for Rice next season.
But Southampton anchorman Romeo Lavia is a new name on the list of reported targets in midfield.
The 19-year-old already has one full Belgium cap after joining the now-relegated Saints from Manchester City in July 2022.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have emerged as favourites to sign Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz.
And Brighton as well as Aston Villa are said to be keen on Emile Smith Rowe.
The attacking midfielder, 22, failed to regain his Arsenal starting place following a mid-season injury.
It's claimed winger Nicolas Pepe is wanted in Saudi Arabia.
And versatile frontman Reiss Nelson is understood to be weighing up a new contract offer for the Gunners amid interest from AC Milan.
Lastly, Barcelona are now pondering a move for Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, who has been linked to Arsenal over the past two transfer windows.
- By Ian Tuckey
New figures show Prem's financial dominance
The Prem’s financial dominance has been underlined by the latest study of European football finance, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Sports money experts Deloitte says the Prem’s 20 clubs had record revenues of £5.5bn in the 2021-22 season.
That was up 12 per cent on the previous campaign and nearly double the gross income of nearest challenger La Liga.
Deloitte also found that Prem gate revenue reached an all-time high of £763m, with attendances averaging a fraction under 40,000 per match and clubs sharing commercial revenue from fan spending of £1.7bn.
While total wage costs did increase, up six per cent to a total £3.6bn, seven of the clubs who were in the top flight the previous year reduced wages.
That did not prevent cumulative losses of £607m as the game recovered from the pandemic impact, with the purchases of Chelsea and Newcastle helping reduce net debt by 34 per cent to £2.7bn.
Deloitte’s Tim Bridge said: “Growing international interest and the commercial prowess of playing in the English top-flight continues to drive revenue growth.
“As new owners join the top-tier and cost regulations continue to evolve, sustainable operating, funding models and acting with integrity as the custodians of a football club should continue to be top of mind for all stakeholders to ensure the longevity and ultimate success of the Premier League and its member clubs.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Jack reveals injury aged 19 threatened career
Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere has revealed an injury at the age of 19 could have left him unable to walk again.
The 34-cap ex-England midfielder, 31, retired last year following fitness problems throughout his career.
He played for West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish side AGF after the Gunners released him in 2018.
Speaking to Wrexham keeper Ben Foster on The Fozcast, Wilshere explained he "paid a lot" for his first and "worst" injury – a fractured right ankle bone..
He said: "I went to see the specialist surgeon and he was like 'I've never seen that. We've seen it in one person.'
"It was a snowboarder, you could imagine their ankles are locked in and they can bend it like that.
"So they got in another guy, a specialist to do the surgery, and I didn't know this until a few years later, so I then went back, it must have been about six years later I was 25 and went back to see the surgeon and he was like 'oh you're still playing?'
"He [the surgeon] showed me the notes from the surgery and it was like 'yeah might not play again, might not be able to walk'.
"I didn't know that, I think it was maybe a good thing. So I put two pins in it yeah.
"But then I paid the price, it never moved the same so then obviously it affects your knees."
- By Ian Tuckey
Zinchenko recalls harrowing star to Russian invasion
Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko has recalled the harrowing moment Russia began the invasion of his home country Ukraine in February 2022, writes DYLAN TERRY.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, he said: "My wife suddenly woke me up. And she said, ‘It started’. I said ‘What started?’ She was crying, you know, like flooding tears.
"I said 'What’s started, what’s wrong?' And she showed me the pictures of this invasion."
Discussing his family and friends in Ukraine, he went on to add: "I'm so worried about them. And I'll tell you what – the mentality of people they don't want to leave, they don't want to leave the country, even if they could.
"This is their homeland. And I would for sure, after [my] football career, I will be living in Ukraine, that's for sure. One million per cent."
Zinchenko also stated he would fight for his country on the front line – much like fellow sports stars Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko.
He said: "There will be a time everyone will be there. It will be the last call or something or whatever. It will be a call.
"We go, all of us, we go there. Everyone will go. Of course [I would fight]. But at the same time I am thinking I am much more helpful from here at the moment.
"But you never know what is going to happen. Maybe this is the last speech we are going to speak to each other. You never know.
"And how many people have already been killed by this invasion? I’m not seeing myself hiding somewhere."
- By Ian Tuckey
Hammers accept Declan is off to Gunners
West Ham are resigned to the fact that Declan Rice has set his heart on a move to Arsenal, writes MARK IRWIN.
And plans to start a bidding war with Chelsea, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are likely to be shelved by the Europa Conference League winners.
Hammers boss David Moyes is understood to prefer a deal with Chelsea involving Conor Gallagher in part-exchange.
But Rice has made it clear that he is not interested in a return to the club who released him at the age of 14.
German champions Bayern have already dropped their pursuit of the 24-year-old England star after being told Rice wants to remain in the Premier League.
And Manchester United are reluctant to spend huge money on another holding midfielder after buying £60million Casemiro last summer.
That has left the way clear for Arsenal to complete their priority signing of the summer and negotiations with West Ham are now at an advanced stage.
The Gunners are looking to pay a club record £90m for Rice, while the Hammers value him at £110m.
- By Ian Tuckey
Juve want Gunners' target Joao on loan
Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo is being linked to Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus.
The Portugal right-back, 29, missed City’s Treble glory as he was loaned to Bayern Munich for the second half of the season.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio told MyBettingSites.co.uk : “The top clubs want a player like Cancelo.
“Juventus would like to have him on loan and he’s on the list.
“Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus are the clubs interested in Cancelo.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Gunners 'closing on £110m Rice'
Arsenal are reportedly close to signing Declan Rice for £110million.
Bayern Munich appear to have slipped out of the running – with Chelsea and Manchester United also thought to be baulking at a huge-money transfer fight.
That leaves the Gunners on course to clinch a British record transfer for the England midfielder – possibly within days.
Talks with the Hammers are said to have gone "smoothly".
Rice, 24, is bowing out of West Ham on a high following Europa Conference League glory last week.
- By Ian Tuckey
Brighton and Villa eye Smith Rowe
Brighton are reportedly keen on Arsenal's Emile Smith Rowe – in what could be a boost for the Gunners in their pursuit of Moises Caicedo.
The Daily Mail say England midfielder Smith Rowe is attracting interest from a string of Prem rivals, including Brighton and Aston Villa.
The three-cap star, 22, had an injury-hit season.
But his silky style would seem to fit the Seasiders.
And any firm interest from Brighton might help the Gunners as they still fancy Albion powerhouse Caicedo.
- By Ian Tuckey
Wilshere was almost crocked for life aged 19
Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere has revealed an injury at the age of 19 could have left him unable to walk again.
The 34-cap ex-England midfielder, 31, retired last year following fitness problems throughout his career.
He played for West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish side AGF after the Gunners released him in 2018.
Speaking to Wrexham keeper Ben Foster on The Fozcast, Wilshere explained he "paid a lot" for his first and "worst" injury – a fractured right ankle bone..
He said: "I went to see the specialist surgeon and he was like 'I've never seen that. We've seen it in one person.'
"It was a snowboarder, you could imagine their ankles are locked in and they can bend it like that.
"So they got in another guy, a specialist to do the surgery, and I didn't know this until a few years later, so I then went back, it must have been about six years later I was 25 and went back to see the surgeon and he was like 'oh you're still playing?'
"He [the surgeon] showed me the notes from the surgery and it was like 'yeah might not play again, might not be able to walk'.
"I didn't know that, I think it was maybe a good thing. So I put two pins in it yeah.
"But then I paid the price, it never moved the same so then obviously it affects your knees."
- By Ian Tuckey
Rice or Caicedo will 'take Gunners close to Prem crown'
Signing just one of Declan Rice or Moises Caicedo would take Arsenal close to champions Manchester City next season.
That's the claim of iconic ex-Red Devils striker Andy Cole as Emirates chief Mikel Arteta targets at least one new major recruit in midfield.
Cole, who began his career with the Gunners, told Punters.Pub: “If you brought in one of them then that would definitely improve them enough to challenge next season.
"I think Moises Caicedo is a fantastic player, I really do – in the way he bosses games for Brighton, who played some real good stuff this season.
"And if he's £80 million, I'm not quite sure why Declan Rice should be £120 million.
“In the end it comes down to whatever Mikel Arteta thinks is going to make them better, whether or not he thinks that they could bring Arsenal closer to winning the Premier League. We'll have to wait and see.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Arsenal eye teen hit Lavia
The Gunners fancy Southampton anchorman Romeo Lavia, one report says.
The 19-year-old already has one full Belgium cap after joining the now-relegated Saints from Manchester City in July 2022.
The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg suggests the former Anderlecht kid is the latest midfielder to come under the microscope of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
- By Ian Tuckey
Saudis could Nic unwanted winger
Arsenal's record buy Nicolas Pepe is reportedly considering an offer to move to Saudi Arabia.
3 Added Minutes claims the winger has no future at the Emirates after returning from a loan at Nice.
Pepe has been approached by several Saudi clubs over a money-spinning move the Middle East.
And with little interest from clubs in Europe, the Ivorian is now warming towards the idea of a move to Saudi.
- By Ian Tuckey
Ilkay D-day next week
Ilkay Gundogan is tipped to decide his future next week amid reports Barcelona will beat Arsenal to the Manchester City midfielder.
It's claimed the Germany star has already agreed a three-year deal with Spanish giants Barca.
But transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio told MyBettingSites.co.uk: “Man City are trying to renew Ilkay Gundogan´s contract.
"And the next weeks will be decisive for Gundogan and whether he will stay or not.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Arsenal, Barca and Juve fight for Cancelo
Manchester City's Joao Cancelo is being linked to Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus.
The Portugal right-back, 29, missed City's Treble glory as he was loaned to Bayern Munich for the second half of the season.
Transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio told MyBettingSites.co.uk : "The top clubs want a player like Cancelo.
"Juventus would like to have him on loan and he’s on the list.
"Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus are the clubs interested in Cancelo.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Chelsea 'flexible' over Kai fee
Chelsea are tipped to cut the £75million they quoted Arsenal for Kai Havertz.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has been told the Blues will be "flexible" over the fee for the Germany forward.
The Gunners have suddenly been linked with the ex-Bayer Leverkusen star in the past 24 hours.
- By Ian Tuckey
Prem clubs boosted by transfer rule boost
New work permit rules for overseas players will allow Prem clubs to recruit young starlets who would not meet the current requirements, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The Home Office has approved the new “Governing Body Exemption” system, developed after months of discussions between the FA, Prem and EFL.
From next season, Prem and Championship clubs will be allowed up to four players who do not qualify under the points-based system, with teams in Leagues One and Two allowed two.
Clubs, though, have committed to providing more on-field minutes for English players to ensure a growing pool of talent available to Gareth Southgate and his successors.
But other players will still have to earn 15 points or be automatically qualified because of club and international success after the FA rejected Prem wishes to reduce the points tally required to 12.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “We wanted to create a new model which would meet the different objectives of our football stakeholders.
“This progressive solution will give clubs additional access to international talent and incentivise playing opportunities for English talent.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Gunners odds-on to sign Havertz
Arsenal are rated 4/7 to land surprise target Kai Havertz – with Manchester United rank outsiders at 33/1.
Chelsea's Germany attacker, 24, is strongly tipped to move on as incoming boss Maurico Pochettino is expected to clear the decks for his own signings.
Here are the latest odds from BonusCodeBets on where Havertz will end up next season:
Arsenal – 4/7
Real Madrid – 7/2
Stay at Chelsea – 9/2
Bayern Munich – 7/1
PSG – 25/1
Manchester United – 33/1
Barcelona – 40/1 - By Ian Tuckey
Gunners still in 'pole position' for Rice
Arsenal remain best-placed to sign Declan Rice despite increasing murmurs that Manchester United are preparing a move.
That's the verdict of transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio as the Gunners reportedly rush to tie up a deal for the £100million-rated West Ham captain.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea have also been mentioned over the England midfielder.
But despite the Hammers wanting a British record transfer fee, Di Marzio told MyBettingSites.co.uk: “Arsenal are in pole position and the priority of the player is to stay in the Premier League.
"But in the transfer window, things can change despite the club being in pole position."
He added: “Even Bayern Munich knows that the priority of the player is to stay in the Premier League. So Arsenal has the possibility to close.
"Of course it depends on a lot of things but Arsenal have the possibility to close the deal in their hands.”
- By Ian Tuckey
Fans reckons fixtures have been leaked…
Some fans are convinced that the opening round of the Premier League fixtures has been leaked on social media.
A snap on Twitter has gone viral which has shown the first games of the 2023/24 season.
Most people of course reckon it's a clever fake.
But if ti is true it means intriguing matches for fans to get excited for.
The standout fixture of the opening weekend would be Liverpool's away trip to newly-promoted Luton Town.
While the "leak" suggests Manchester United to have a tough start as they could host Brighton and Hove Albion.
The alleged first games…
Bournemouth vs West Ham
Burnley vs Man City
Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Everton vs Brentford
Fulham vs Arsenal
Luton vs Liverpool
Man United vs Brighton
Sheffield United vs Aston Villa
Tottenham vs Newcastle
Wolves vs Nottingham Forest
One fan posted: "Liverpool get a promoted side. Grass is green."
A second wrote: "Omg it true, and Liverpool always play newly promoted teams in match opening day."
A third said: "Luton vs Liverpool is definitely going to be the first game on FNF."
- By Ian Tuckey
Romeo on Gunners' radar
The Gunners fancy Southampton anchorman Romeo Lavia, one report says.
The 19-year-old already has one full Belgium cap after joining the now-relegated Saints from Manchester City in July 2022.
The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg suggests the former Anderlecht kid is the latest midfielder to come under the microscope of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
Credit: Getty - By Ian Tuckey
Red Devils tipped to join Rice race after takeover
Arsenal need to quickly tie up a deal for Declan Rice or face a challenge from Manchester United if an Old Trafford take-over goes through
So says transfer guru Fabrizio Romano as the Gunners close on a£100million swoop for the West Ham skipper
Should Sheikh Jassim buy out United,Romano reckons United could look to hijack any deal for the England midfielder.
Considering how much The Gunners have been targeting Rice as their priority transfer, the club needs to ensure this deal is done and dusted before such a takeover happens.
- By Ian Tuckey
More noises about Moises
Moises Caicedo is reportedly back on Arsenal's radar.
Boss Mikel Arteta attempted to sign the midfielder in January, but the Seagulls refused to let him leave mid-season.
And according to The Times, Arsenal are preparing another bid.
The Gunners are reportedly willing to match Brighton’s £80million asking price, but they are yet to launch a formal offer.
- By Anthony Chapman
Arsenal prepare shock Havertz swoop
Arsenal are interested in making a shock move for Chelsea star Kai Havertz, according to reports.
The Gunners will supposedly launch a bid for the German attacker after they snap up West Ham captain Declan Rice.
Havertz has contract that runs until 2025 at Stamford Bridge.
But he could leave in a huge squad overhaul happening at Chelsea this summer, with Real Madrid also keen.
- By Anthony Chapman
Arsenal 'face battle for Cancelo'
Arsenal are hoping to land Joao Cancelo from Man City this summer.
But they face competition from Barcelona, as well as his former club Juventus.
Gianluca Di Marzio told MyBettingSites: "The top clubs want a player like Cancelo. Juventus would like to have him on loan and he’s on the list.
"Arsenal, Barcelona and Juventus are the clubs interested in Cancelo.”
- By Anthony Chapman
Former Arsenal star passes away
Ex-Chelsea and Arsenal defender John Hollins has died aged 76.
Hollins burst onto the scene when he made his Chelsea debut at the age of 17 in 1963.
The midfielder-turned-defender left the Blues in 1975 to join Queens Park Rangers, where he made 183 appearances.
He signed for Arsenal in 1979, winning Player of the Season in 1982, before returning to Chelsea four years later.
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