Arsenal handed ‘fresh’ Declan Rice boost, West Ham ‘identify’ replacement and Tottenham ‘find’ keeper

The summer transfer window is now just days away, but clubs have already made a start on their summer spending.

We have already seen deals struck both home and abroad, with clubs jostling to get ahead with their business ahead of the new season. But those deals won’t become official until next week, and clubs we will likely see the rumour mill go into overdrive from that point on. By then, we will also know the winner of this season’s Champions League, with Manchester City hoping to complete the treble on Saturday evening.

In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest transfer news surrounding Premier League clubs.

Rice latest

We start today’s round-up with in-demand West Ham star Declan Rice.

We already know Rice is almost certain to move on this summer, with Hammers chief David Sullivan making it clear that the club won’t stand in their captain’s way as long as the right offer comes in. Arsenal are said to be ‘confident’ of striking a deal this summer as they look to add an elite midfielder, and it seems that’s more than can be said about Bayern Munich.

It’s claimed Bayern are interested, but reports from Florian Plettengerg claim the German giants are aware that a deal for Rice would be ‘difficult’ for them to pull off this summer. It’s advantage Arsenal, who seem to be willing to put up the cash.

The 3AM Verdict: It’s difficult to see Rice going anywhere else other than Arsenal this summer, Manchester United seem to have their man in Casemiro, while Liverpoool need midfielder who play in a more advanced role. Rice seems keen to stay in the Premier League and Arsenal are the type of title-contending club he is going to want to join, with Manchester City no interested. Chelsea are a mess currently, and so the Gunners it will likely be.

Hammers find replacement

Poor West Ham have to live with all the transfer reports surrounding their club focusing on a departure, with Rice the biggest story.

But the Hammers must get their heads around signing a replacement for Rice, and it seems they won’t look far at all. According to TalkSPORT, West Ham are interested in Fulham star Joao Palhinha. Palhinha joined the Cottagers for £20million last summer and in a normal season, it might be seen as a sidewards step for the midfielder.

But West Ham have bagged themselves Europa League football for next season, and that could be a weapon for the Hammers in any transfer negotiations this summer.

The 3AM Verdict: The link itself makes sense, but the Hammers could find it difficult to pull off a deal, with Fulham likely to be reluctant to sell to a London rival, and indeed a club who could be on a similar level next season. They have Palhinha under a long contract, and West Ham will likely have to overpay, with the Cottagers well aware of the £100million or so their London rivals will get for their star man this summer.

Raya interest

From one all-London deal to another, and it seems Tottenham are keen on landing Brentford keeper David Raya.

Hugo Lloris is set to move on after a long spell in North London, and Rudy Galetti says Spurs are the only club in talks with the Bees over Raya amid claims of further interest. It’s claimed Brentford want £38.4million or more, but Tottenham are reportedly trying to lower the demands based on the fact Raya has just one year remaining on his current deal.

Raya impressed in a solid Brentford side last season, and it will be interesting to see if there is interest from elsewhere.

The 3AM Verdict: Raya put in some superb performances last season, and Lloris was hugely inconsistent again for Spurs, likely leading to the Frenchman’s departure this summer. It does seem the price tag is steep though, especially given the Spaniard’s contract situation. If a deal is done, it feels likely it will be for a smaller fee, and potential with add-ons.