WEST HAM UNITED are lining up an ex-Arsenal bad boy who “bragged about his £40,000-a-week wages” to replace Declan Rice.
Rice is expected to leave the Hammers this summer, with Arsenal the favourites to land the England international.
GettyWest Ham United are lining up an ex-Arsenal bad boy to replace Declan Rice[/caption]
Mikel Arteta’s side have so far had two bids rejected for Rice, but are currently preparing a third approach for the 24-year-old.
And West Ham have already identified a potential replacement for Rice should he join the Gunners, according to reports in France.
L’Equipe report that Marseille are expecting to receive an offer from the club for Matteo Guendouzi once Rice’s departure is confirmed.
Guendouzi previously spent four years as an Arsenal player after signing for the Gunners in 2018.
He scored once in 82 appearances but was frozen out by Arteta in 2020.
The France international completed a permanent move to Marseille last summer after a successful loan spell.
Five goals and five assists last term has attracted interest from several clubs, including West Ham.
Guendouzi garnered a bad boy reputation during his time in England after bragging about his £40,000-a-week wages during a heated clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.
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GettyMatteo Guendouzi bragged about his £40,000-a-week wages to Neal Maupay[/caption]
Had clashed with Seagulls star Neal Maupay during the match, but it was later revealed that five Brighton players were on more money than Guendouzi, including Maupay.
Manchester United and Man City are both ready to rival Arsenal in the race for Rice.
And it has been reported West Ham will try to get Kalvin Phillips from City in a swap deal should Rice prefer a switch to the Etihad.