All posts by z3u9t.icu

Aston Villa are one of a few Premier League clubs looking to sign a player who remains a free agent after the summer transfer window, according to a new report. The Villans got their Champions League campaign underway on Tuesday night in style, as they beat Young Boys 3-0.

Emery must instantly drop Aston Villa ace after 6/10 UCL display

He had fewer touches than Martinez in Switzerland.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 18, 2024 Rogers continues excellent start to the season in Bern

Villa were very busy during the summer, adding several new players to the squad, their most high-profile being Amadou Onana, but it is a player from the January transfer window that is really excelling in the early stages of this campaign.

Morgan Rogers joined in the winter window from Middlesbrough, and while he has yet to get on the scoresheet or grab an assist this season, the midfielder has been really impressive, starting all five of their games so far.

The midfielder has impressed so much that he has been labelled as being “underappreciated” and “one to watch” by football pundit Robbie Mustoe, while Tony Cascarino is excited about what the future holds for him and has compared him to Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala.

Cascarino said on Rogers: “I really like Morgan Rogers coming in. He scored a couple in the Under-21s against Austria. I think he’s going to be a player. He really looks; there’s something about him; he reminds me a little bit of Jamal Musiala.

“He’s that guy that picks up the ball, and he’ll just make runs, and he’ll create problems for others. He’s got a lot about him.

Apps

21

Goals

3

Assists

1

“Comparing him to Musiala, well, that type of player, that’s a really big praise because Musiala’s a real talent. But I do see something in Morgan Rogers where he’s got that ability.

“He gets in his stride, and he’s going quick, but he doesn’t look particularly quick, and yet people don’t get to him. He just seems to ride the tackles and not get phased.”

But Villa don’t want to just rely on Rogers, and the Premier League side are now looking at the free agent market to help ease the burden on the young star after another quality display in Switzerland this week.

Aston Villa considering move for free agent

According to HITC, Aston Villa are considering whether to make an offer to free agent Yusuf Yazici. As well as the Villans being interested, AFC Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Brentford are also keen on signing the experienced attacking midfielder.

Yazici has been without a club since the end of last season, as he left French side Lille following the end of his contract. The Turkey international was in Lille for five years, during which time he scored 29 goals and recorded 15 assists in 135 games.

The 27-year-old would be unlikely to start a lot at Villa, but the report claims he would be brought in to provide depth and cover behind Rogers, given the similarities of both players being versatile enough to play across the attack, allowing the youngster to develop without the burden of playing two games every week.

The news of Villa weighing up an offer for Yazici comes after his agents were said to have offered the midfielder to them earlier this month – it seems they were at least a little bit enticed by those talks, and could now make their move in the coming days and weeks.

Chelsea chiefs are reportedly very impressed with a £100 million member of their squad, following his excellent start to the new Premier League campaign, and they apparently rejected advances from a "big club" in the summer window.

Chelsea begin 2024/2025 campaign in promising fashion

Barring an opening weekend defeat to champions Man City, it has actually been a fairly promising start to the 2024/2025 campaign under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Sky pundit urges Maresca to axe £180k-per-week Chelsea star for youngster

The high-profile ace is apparently “not good enough” to start for them.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 3, 2024

After their 2-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola's side at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea put the loss right behind them with a thumping 6-2 win away to Wolves, with goals from Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, summer signing Joao Felix and a Noni Madueke hat-trick putting Gary O'Neil's side to the sword.

It was a display of real attacking intent and ruthlessness by the Blues, who were hoping to follow that impressive win with another routine victory at home to London rivals Crystal Palace last weekend.

Player

Match Rating

Cole Palmer

7.6

Nicolas Jackson

7.2

Moises Caicedo

7.2

Eberechi Eze

7.2

Dean Henderson

7.1

Despite creating a host of chances, both in the first and second half, Chelsea were regrettably held to a 1-1 draw. Nicolas Jackson's close range finish from a swift counter-attack was cancelled out by Palace star Eberechi Eze's stunning curled effort into the corner, but Maresca was adamant that Chelsea deserved all three points.

I feel it is a shame for the players because when we finished the game, you could see the players’ frustrations. In the way we played today, we are going to win games," said Maresca after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Palace.

“We completely deserved to win the game. We created chances and controlled the game. We didn’t concede chances and in the first half, I think they just had one shot on goal with Adam Wharton and then they had the goal in the second half which was a fantastic goal.

“[We] completely deserved to win the game but unfortunately we didn’t. But the performance was very good, on the ball and off the ball."

There have been many top performers for Chelsea so far this term, with Madueke, Palmer and Jackson impressing in particular. Maresca's bright forward trio have already racked up a combined six goals and five assists over their opening three league games, but another player silently doing his job to great effect is Cobham academy graduate Levi Colwill.

Chelsea chiefs impressed by Levi Colwill's start to the season

The Englishman, who Chelsea reportedly value at £100 million, has started all of their matches thus far – averaging a near-95% pass accuracy according to WhoScored.

According to journalist Kieran Gill of The Daily Mail, Chelsea chiefs have been very impressed with Colwill after their first three games, and it is believed the Blues snubbed an approach from one mystery "big club" in the summer.

That big club may well have been Bayern Munich, as it is rumoured Vincent Kompany held an interest in signing Colwill from Chelsea during the transfer window.

A mega-money £650,000-per-week contract was offered to an Arsenal star in the summer window by a team from the Saudi Pro League before choosing to remain in the Premier League to play for Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal enjoy excellent summer window with £91m spent

The signings of goalkeeper David Raya on a permanent deal from Brentford, Riccardo Calafiori in a multi-million-pound move from Bologna, midfielder Mikel Merino, goalkeeper Neto and Raheem Sterling rounded off what was a superb window for sporting director Edu Gaspar.

82-cap star holds talks with Arteta about joining Arsenal on deadline day

The Gunners are thinking about making a dramatic late signing.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 30, 2024

Arsenal spent below £100 million – £91 million, to be exact – on the new recruits who have greatly strengthened Arteta's ranks ahead of a hopeful Premier League title challenge with Man City.

Two of those deals, for Sterling and Neto, came on deadline day – with loan moves to the Emirates Stadium for both men emerging at the eleventh hour. Arsenal perhaps saved their most blockbuster transfer for last in Sterling, who was the final player to complete a move to Arsenal before Friday night's 11pm deadline.

Goals

19

Assists

12

Yellow cards

13

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,335

The 29-year-old, who hasn't been selected for England since the Three Lions' 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, will be looking to force his way back into international contention, and his switch across London could help him do just that after being frozen out by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

"Joining Arsenal is really an unbelievable feeling. I’m buzzing. This is a perfect fit for me," said Sterling on his dramatic late transfer to the Gunners.

"You see the journey the boys are on, and the hunger, and I keep saying again, the togetherness is something I’m looking to be part of.”

Following Sterling's switch, Arteta has revealed that Arsenal are planning to get the former Man City star involved as soon as possible, with crunch clashes away to both Tottenham and City looming post-international break.

“We have to see him, speak to him (about) what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it," said Arteta on Sterling's imminent Arsenal debut.

“And try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team. We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”

Arteta was rumoured to have personally contacted Sterling over joining Arsenal before the transfer was confirmed, with journalist Darren Lewis of The Mirror now writing that the winger had a very lucrative offer from elsewhere, too.

Sterling rejected £650,000-per-week Saudi offer to join Arsenal

As per the reporter, Sterling rejected a lucrative £650,000-per-week offer from Saudi Arabia in favour of joining Arsenal, further demonstrating the player's desire to make a move to north London.

The financial package would've more than doubled his current £300,000-per-week wage, and due to Saudi laws, every penny of it would have been tax-free – providing he stayed in the country for more than two years.

Such a proposal would be tempting for any footballing star, regardless of level, which is very encouraging for Arsenal supporters – as it indicates Sterling is determined to prove his worth under Arteta and help to fire the Gunners to a first league title in 21 years.

Every Crystal Palace fan will be hoping that Marc Guehi will still be plying his trade at Selhurst Park when the transfer window closes on Friday night.

The 24-year-old has had a massive rise since his £20m move to the club back in the summer of 2021, making over 100 appearances, featuring for the England national side and even captaining Oliver Glasner’s side.

However, his excellent form in South London hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Newcastle United making various different bids for the centre-back, with the Eagles valuing the defender at around the £75m mark.

With just over two days remaining in the window, it remains to be seen if he will make the move to Tyneside or remain at the club until January at the very least.

Regardless, Glasner is trying to bolster his defensive unit after Joachim Andersen’s move to Fulham, with progress being made on one deal in particular.

Crystal Palace to make another bid for defensive ace

According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are preparing another bid to sign Benfica’s talented centre-back Tomas Araujo.

The 22-year-old Portuguese sensation has started all three of his side’s opening games in Liga Portugal during 2024/25, reflecting his importance to Roger Schmidt’s side.

The report states that the Eagles have previously had a €30m offer rejected for the youngster, who has a €100m (£86m) release clause in his deal, but they are expected to return with a fresh offer before the window slams shut on Friday.

A move for Araujo is irrespective of any deal to sign Wolfsburg defender Maxence Lacroix, with the club already having a bid accepted for the Frenchman.

However, despite agreeing a deal in principle for the 24-year-old, it isn't out of the question that the Eagles will still pursue a move for the Portuguese ace, with the club potentially needing to sign multiple centre-backs for the loss of Andersen and potential sale of Guehi.

Any deal to sign Araujo would be a huge coup, potentially making him the ideal man to replace Guehi should he move to St James’ Park and allowing him to form an excellent partnership with Lacroix at the heart of Glasner's backline.

Why Araujo could be the perfect Guehi successor

Whilst losing Guehi would be a huge blow for Glasner’s side, it would represent incredible business conducted by Steve Parish, making a £55m profit on the 24-year-old in just a three-year period.

However, the funds generated can allow for added investment into the first-team squad, potentially repeating a deal for Guehi with Araujo, signing a talented youngster, allowing him to develop and make them a huge sum down the line.

On the face of it, a deal for the Portuguese ace may seem an expensive one, but when delving into his stats from the 2024/25 campaign, he’s bettered Guehi in numerous key areas for a centre-back.

The “dominant” defender, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, excelled in possession, completing more progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 – making him an excellent fit for Glasner’s possession-based system.

Games played

13

25

Progressive carries

1.1

0.7

Progressive passes

4.6

3

Pass accuracy

90%

87%

Tackles won

1.7

0.8

Interceptions

0.5

0.8

Aerials won

71%

50%

However, he also dominated the Englishman defensively, winning more tackles per 90, whilst making more interceptions and coming out on top in more aerial battles.

It would potentially be a risk splashing a mammoth fee on a youngster unproven in the Premier League, but his stats show that he would be an excellent addition to the Palace side.

His ability in and out of possession makes him an ideal fit for the club’s backline, with an emphasis on building from the back and playing through the thirds.

Losing Guehi would be detrimental to the Eagles’ ambitions of securing a top-half finish this campaign, but should they replace him with Araujo before Friday’s deadline, it could allow for the club to forget about the English international and have a season to remember in 2024/25.

With Lacroix already seemingly closing in on a move, there could well be an exciting, fresh look to Palace's backline moving forward.

Their new Olise: Crystal Palace could end the window with a bang

Palace could sign huge Premier League star as Olise replacement

ByConnor Holden Aug 25, 2024

Glasgow Rangers head coach Michael Beale has been a busy man in recent weeks as his side have made four signings ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Despite there being over two months left to run before the deadline passes, the Light Blues have moved swiftly to land Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers, Dujon Sterling, and Jack Butland to bolster the squad.

However, they may not be done there as the Scottish giants have been linked with a host of other players in their bid to win the Scottish Premiership title back from their bitter rivals.

Incomings are not the only order of business for the club, though, as fresh arrivals also open the door for players to move on.

The Daily Mail recently claimed that Antonio Colak is being eyed by teams in Germany and could be sold after just one year at Ibrox.

Does Antonio Colak have a future at Rangers?

Beale could ruthlessly ditch the Croatian international in the coming weeks by securing a deal to snap up 20-year-old marksman Benie Traore.

According to journalist Alan Nixon on his Patreon (25/06/2023), Rangers are one of the clubs interested in signing the Hacken centre-forward this summer. The striker is said to be available for a fee in the region of £5m, while Sheffield United and Celtic are also pursuing his signature.

Traore, who scout Jacek Kulig lauded as "talented" and a "jewel", has been in phenomenal form in the top-flight of Swedish football this year. He has plundered an outstanding 12 goals and three assists in 13 matches, while his average Sofascore rating of 7.25 would place him sixth within the Gers squad last term.

Colak, on the other hand, averaged a Scottish Premiership Sofascore rating of 7.11 across 25 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign to go along with his 14 goals and one assist for the club.

This indicates that the reported Light Blues target could provide more than the 29-year-old in the final third based on his superior scoring return of one strike every 1.08 matches – better than any Rangers player managed last season – compared to the Croatian forward's 1.79.

The former PAOK man created 0.5 Premiership chances per game for his teammates, whilst Traore's 1.4 league key passes per match for Hacken suggests that the Ivorian gem would be a big upgrade from a creative perspective – Fashion Sakala led the way for Beale's strikers with 1.5 per outing.

Therefore, the signing of the 20-year-old prodigy would allow Beale to end Colak's time at Ibrox as the English head coach would be bringing in a forward with the potential to offer far more quality, in terms of scoring goals and creating chances, week-in-week-out.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly 'keeping tabs' on Gambian starlet Adama Bojang.

Wolves transfer news – What's the latest on Adama Bojang?

According to the Evening Standard, the Old Gold are amongst a 'raft of European clubs taking an interest in 19-year-old gem Adama Bojang.

The youngster has shot to prominence in recent months thanks to his exceptional performances for the Gambian team in the U20 World Cup, where he scored in the round of 16.

Before that, in March, he helped guide his team to the final of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished runners-up, and he was named in the team of the tournament.

His club side, Steve Biko FC, have valued the player at just £2.6m, and with a low price tag, it's no surprise that Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested.

Would Adama Bojang be a bargain at just £2.6m?

In a world in which Chelsea are signing 16-year-olds for £17m, a fee of only £2.6m for a 19-year-old prospect who has plenty of experience as a youth international and some experience in senior football seems like a bargain.

Granted, that senior football has come in the Gambian league for club side Steve Biko, but it will still have been beneficial towards his development.

Looking at the player's statistics from his time with the Gambian U20s paints a picture of a clinical forward. In just ten appearances for the side, he has produced seven goal contributions, six goals and one assist.

Nicknamed as "The Gambian Hurricane" in his domestic league thanks to his rapid pace and trickery, the 6 foot 3 dynamo expressed his reaction to the European links, telling BBC Africa back in April:

"I've heard about the news and I am excited about it. It boosts my morale. I'm focusing more on consistency which motivates me a lot, because seeing such clubs following you is a great feeling."

He hasn't been shy in revealing his lofty ambitions, though, saying: "I want to be like Cristiano Ronaldo."

Bojang might get close if former Millwall and Plymouth Argyle striker Cherno Samba is to be believed.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Pilgrims player said:

"He's ready to go, he works hard and he's hungry. He is destined for greatness.

"Fingers crossed he stays away from injury but he will be a top, top, top player."

If the hype is to be believed and you look at the several Man of the Match awards he has already won with his U20 international side, then that fee of £2.6m starts to look very good.

It was in one of those game-changing performances that he really shone.

In a match against South Sudan in the quarter-finals, and after sitting out the final group game, the dynamic forward came back into the team to score a hat trick in just 27 minutes.

With performances like that, Wolves should be pursuing Bojang, as they held the unfortunate award for scoring the fewest goals out of any team in the Premier League last season, only 31 in 38 games.

Attacking reinforcements are desperately needed at the club, and with Atalanta reportedly asking for an eye-watering £86m for Rasmus Hojlund after one breakthrough debut campaign in Serie A, for example, a significantly cheaper gamble seems too good an option to pass up, especially given Wolves' Financial Fair Play issues.

Aston Villa could top their recent signing of Youri Tielemans on a free transfer from Leicester City by acquiring Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Youri Tielemans and Aymeric Laporte?

Last week, BBC Sport confirmed that Tielemans will complete a move to Aston Villa on July 1st on a free transfer once his Leicester City contract officially expires.

Manchester United, Roma and Arsenal were all keen on enticing the Belgium international elsewhere; however, he will now ply his trade at Villa Park next term and will have Europa Conference League football to look forward to in the West Midlands.

90min also claim that Aston Villa have held talks with Manchester City defender Laporte and Villarreal stopper Pau Torres as Unai Emery kicks his transfer proactivity up a notch ahead of the coming season.

The report states that Laporte has grown frustrated by his lack of first-team minutes at the Citizens and Aston Villa have emerged as a possible destination for the Spaniard to gain regular time on the pitch.

Capology understand that Laporte earns around £120,000 per week at the Etihad Stadium on a contract that runs until the summer of 2025.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones is of the opinion that Laporte would be an even better but of business than bringing Tielemans to Villa Park and signalled that the 29-year-old would improve Emery's side.

Jones told FFC: "I definitely think Laporte could be an even better signing than Tielemans. I mean, he would definitely improve this team immediately and for Emery himself, just the sort of mentality that you have coming into his team just continues to rise."

Would Aymeric Laporte be a good signing for Aston Villa?

When you factor in his extensive experience at the top level and calm presence in the backline, Laporte could be an ideal signing for Aston Villa as they enter into continental football in 2023/24.

All in, Laporte amassed 24 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City during 2022/23, registering one assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Laporte is one of the best examples you'll find of a ball-playing defender around Europe, which is reflected in the fact he maintained a pass success rate of 93.1% throughout the campaign, according to WhoScored.

FBRef also take into account that Laporte has excelled in comparison to his positional peers in Europe's top five divisions in the art of progressive carries, averaging around 2.59 per fixture in the last 365 days, putting him in the first percentile for this metric.

Looking ahead, Aston Villa should do everything in their power to try and tempt Laporte to Villa Park as boss Emery looks to strengthen ahead of what will be an exciting forthcoming season for everyone connected with the club.

Liverpool would be 'silly' not to at least enter the race to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves this summer, believes transfer specialist Dean Jones.

Despite Neves reportedly waiting for a move to Barcelona, according to Fabrizio Romano, Jones believes that Liverpool should throw their name in the hat for his signature.

Liverpool transfer news – Ruben Neves

It's no secret that Liverpool are after midfield reinforcements this summer following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The Reds have also just completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion, and have recently been linked with moves for both Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram by Romano, as they look to rebuild in the middle of the park.

Given their need for midfielders, Neves could yet prove to be an adequate option, should Jurgen Klopp decide to target the Wolves man.

As of right now, it seems as if the Portuguese midfielder has his eyes firmly set on a potential move to the newly-crowned La Liga champions.

The Portugal international is Premier League quality, there's no doubting that, and, with a year left on his contract, this summer is one of the last chances that Wolves will have to cash in – potentially resulting in a cut-price deal.

What did Dean Jones say about Ruben Neves and Liverpool?

Speaking to Football FanCast when asked about Neves and Liverpool, Jones said:

"I think they’d be silly to not at least be in the conversation for Ruben Neves. I’m not sure if it’s their ultimate goal here, we know they’ve got their eye on other situations, too, like Gravenberch and Mount."

How much does Ruben Neves earn?

If Liverpool are to make what seems like an unlikely move for Neves this summer, then they will be hoping to avoid any disruption to their wage structure.

At Wolves currently, Neves, who has been hailed as "incredible", earns £55k per week, according to Salary Sport, which would place him in the middle of earners in the first-team at Anfield.

The wage certainly wouldn't be an issue, and, even so, it is justified by Neves' clear ability.

The midfielder found the back of the net six times from midfield last season, whilst also recording one assist to tally up seven goal involvements.

By comparison, Liverpool's highest-scoring midfielder last season was Curtis Jones, who scored just three times, whilst only assisting once in a frustrating season in the middle of the park for Jurgen Klopp's side.

Crystal Palace have made contact with Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea about a summer move to Selhurst Park, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

Who will Crystal Palace sign this summer?

With Wilfried Zaha seemingly heading for the exit door upon the expiration of his contract at the end of next month, Palace will need to bring in a replacement, and Fabrizio Romano reports they have already made a bid for Sunderland's Jack Clarke.

The Eagles appear to be very keen on strengthening their attacking options, and they have recently been linked with a move for Gambia starlet Adama Bojang, while they are also said to be interested in Middlesbrough striker Chuba Akpom.

Plea is able to play on both wings and through the middle, which means he could be brought in to replace either Zaha or Jean-Philippe Mateta, with the latter player making it clear he wants to leave this summer.

Foot Mercato journalist Aouna reports Palace, and by extension chairman Steve Parish, are interested in signing the Monchengladbach forward, having already made initial contact, but there will be competition for his signature, with Fulham and West Ham United also said to be interested and making an approach.

The 30-year-old is thinking of leaving the German club, and Aouna claims he "dreams" of returning to Ligue 1, with Lyon "pushing" to bring him back. A move to the Premier League is not completely ruled out, but it appears as though he has his sights set on a return to his home country at the moment.

Who is Alassane Plea?

It is no real surprise the Frenchman is keen to return to Ligue 1, as he has been a resounding success in the French top flight in the past, registering 36 goals and 22 assists in 119 appearances in the competition during spells with Nice and Lyon.

The £79k-per-week forward moved to Monchengladbach in the summer of 2018, where he has also impressed, reaching double figures for goals in three out of the five seasons he has played in the Bundesliga.

Hailed as "extraordinary" by Gladbach legend Gunter Netzer, the one-time France international has displayed his remarkable playmaking abilities over the past year, averaging 0.46 assists per 90, in the 98th percentile compared to his positional peers.

Plea's attacking threat could make him a fantastic replacement for Zaha, and if Palace are able to tempt him into a move to the Premier League, he may prove to be an excellent addition to the squad.

Arsenal will 'touch base' with West Ham United captain Declan Rice later this month as they plot a swoop for the England international, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Declan Rice?

As per The Daily Mail, Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are all involved in the race for Rice's signature this summer, who is valued at around £120 million by West Ham.

The report states that the Gunners will have around £180 million to spend in the off-season once they initiate player sales, though Bayern Munich are willing to offer £87 million and also players in exchange to land the England international.

According to The Times, one factor that may help Arsenal in their efforts to sign Rice is the fact that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has agreed personal terms over a potential move to their Premier League rivals Manchester United, something which could pave the way for Rice to pitch up at the Emirates Stadium.

Rice has been non-commital regarding his future in a recent interview cited by The Manchester Evening News, instead indicating that his full focus will be given to trying to win the Europa Conference League trophy, as he said: “I’ve not really focused on any of that, to be honest. My main focus this season, from the World Cup onwards, has been getting us out of a relegation battle and, of course, having one eye on winning this trophy."

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has detailed that Arsenal will initiate contact with Rice and his entourage in early June, though warns that the Gunners will need to act soon to ensure they fend off competition from other clubs.

Jones said: "We know that Arsenal are going to touch base early on in June to see what they can do with Declan Rice.

"While that's going on, if Mount is available and Manchester United could potentially look to tie that up, it straightaway gives you a foot up for if Rice doesn't sign for Arsenal, where he goes after that."

Would Declan Rice be a good signing for Arsenal?

Rice, who has been hailed as a "rare" player, is a versatile midfielder that looks primed for a move to one of the Premier League's big guns this summer and Arsenal could be the perfect environment to progress his career in the right direction.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old has made 49 appearances in all competitions, registering five goals and four assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

The £60k-a-week earner has also shown commendable consistency this term and has been West Ham's top performer, according to WhoScored, obtaining an average match rating of 7.01/10 for his exploits on the pitch.

Driving his side forward is one of Rice's main plus points and he has been able to successfully carry out 111 shot-creating actions this campaign, as per FBRef.

Looking ahead, Arsenal will need to move fast in order to secure his signature; however, the lure of Champions League football may work in their favour when trying to recruit Rice.