Newcastle United has joined Arsenal in the battle to sign Declan Rice at the end of this season.
The Englishman is one of the sought-after players in Europe now and continues to show fine form for West Ham in the Premier League.
He has refused to extend his deal with the Hammers and they believe he wants to leave them when the term ends.
Several clubs have an interest in Rice, including Chelsea and Manchester City, but Arsenal is confident they will sign him.
A new suitor has joined the race, with The Sun reporting Newcastle likes Rice and will push to add him to their squad in the summer.
The Magpies could play in the Champions League next season and want to remain in the top four for a long time.
Just Arsenal Opinion
Newcastle has been an impressive team this term and they look prepared for a new era that includes Champions League football.
Their owners have splashed the cash on fine players and have the money to beat us to Rice if the Englishman is open to joining any club.
But we are traditionally the bigger club and have a better chance of winning trophies in the next few seasons.
There are so many good midfielders out there at a very bargain price, we should not be dragged into over paying for some players in the name of epl experience.
I personally prefer we get Paulinha of Fulham than Caicedo for example and while Rice (@ $50/60) is a good addition to have, we should look elsewhere if it gets pricey.
We need a capable defender and a proper Zhaka alternative majorly while also promoting some of our outstanding academic players.
I like to see the likes of
Sousa
Azzeez
Latino
Dubbery promoted to the first team as well.
These players are very good.
Next Season give us a better chance to see what the current fringe players can offer…
Smith
Veira
Nelson
Nketiah
Tavares
Balogun
We need to sort those out before bringing in additions.
This season is the begining of our upward trajectory to bigger achievement in football.
Up Arsenal
Newcastle won’t get dragged into any bidding war over Rice. Our wage structure won’t allow it, our fans aren’t begging for him and I’m pretty sure he’d like to stay down South. Good luck to Arsenal if you get him. Must be a slow news day as there is NO record of nufc looking at Rice or any of our fans suggesting we go for him.
I really like Paulinho too but he doesn’t fit the age profile for our summer transfer especially now that we have Jorginho. Personally, I would have preferred him over Jorginho in January. Vieira, Tavares, Lokonga should be shipped. We should accept a good offer for Balogun now when his value is still high. Patino is not ready own our midfield IMHO. Duberry can be eased in.