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    Arsenal AGREE Declan Rice transfer with West Ham as they close in on club-record signing for England star

    ARSENAL have agreed a club-record £105million fee for West Ham captain Declan Rice.The Gunners faced stiff competition from Manchester City – who saw a £90m offer rejected earlier this week.
    Declan Rice has agreed to join Arsenal from West HamCredit: PA
    Mikel Arteta has sealed his No1 summer transfer targetCredit: Getty
    But now Mikel Arteta’s men have finally got a deal in principle over the line for the England international, 24.
    Two previous bids from Arsenal had been rejected by the Hammers.
    And the East London outfit were initially unsatisfied with Arsenal’s third offer of £105m – submitted on Tuesday and made up of £100m upfront and a further £5m in add-ons.
    But after City walked away, the Hammers have accepted the deal with Arsenal.
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    However, the Gunners want to make the payments over the next five years – but West Ham want the money all paid by 2025.
    SunSport understands a compromise over the payment structure is “very close”.
    Once that has been sorted out, Rice will prepare to link up with the rest of Arteta’s squad in the coming weeks.
    Rice’s preferred destination was always North London, despite his admiration for Pep Guardiola and their trophy haul.
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    He was open to moving his family up north to Manchester had Arsenal refused to budge on their initial offers, but that is now not the case.
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    The player is away on holiday and not expected back for another fortnight following his England exploits.
    Arteta wants Rice fully integrated before they head off on their pre-season tour to the States, their opening game coming on July 20.
    He leaves West Ham having led the club to their first major silverware in 43 years – winning the Europa Conference League in his final game.
    Rice was preparing to enter the last year of his contract at the London Stadium.
    He had rejected improved contract offers over the past 18 months as West Ham looked to tie him down to a longer deal.
    This included the chance to earn £200,000 a week.
    But chairman David Sullivan admitted after the Conference League win that the memorable final would likely have been Rice’s final game for the club because he “wanted to go” – and so it has proved.
    Rice was in Chelsea’s academy until he was released aged 14 and joined West Ham in 2014.
    He broke through into the first team in 2017 and has gone on to make 245 appearances for the East Londoners.
    The dramatic 2-1 win over Fiorentina in Prague, sealed by Jarrod Bowen’s late winner, etched skipper Rice’s name into the club’s history books forever.
    But few could begrudge the talismanic figure from fulfilling his desire to compete for the top titles regularly, including the Premier League and Champions League.
    Arsenal confirmed the signing of Chelsea ace Kai Havertz for £65m on Wednesday evening.
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    Arteta hinted he has signed the German to play as a midfielder – rather than in attack as he did at Stamford Bridge.
    A £40m offer is also in for Ajax defender Timber and they are in talks with Southampton for £45m-rated Lavia. More

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    Eni Aluko has last laugh with brilliant tweet after being mercilessly trolled over Declan Rice to Arsenal theory

    ENI ALUKO has had the last laugh after being trolled over her Declan Rice theory.That’s because Manchester City have withdrawn from race to sign West Ham’s captain, leaving Arsenal as sole contenders.
    Eni Aluko is having the last laugh after her Declan Rice transfer theoryCredit: TalkSPORT
    Man City dropped out of the race after Arsenal made a £105m bidCredit: Getty
    Aluko made a splash on social media yesterday by claiming that City only made a bid for Rice to help out title rivals Arsenal.
    The former England star said Mikel Arteta called on Pep Guardiola to submit an offer, with the Treble winner agreeing solely on the basis of prompting Arsenal chiefs into making a higher bid.
    Aluko, who partied with Laura Woods at Glastonbury, received a backlash from some football fans, with many questioning her theory.
    But she reckons she’s now having the last laugh after City dropped out of the race for Rice.
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    Etihad chiefs believe Arsenal are overpaying for the Three Lions midfielder with their new £105m offer.
    And City have no intention of breaking the bank for a player who would not even be guaranteed a starting role in their XI.
    Aluko took to Twitter claiming that the “backtracking has begun.”
    And she added: “Oh hi Twitter. You’re still here. If I speak…
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    “And I will be speaking on this one.”
    Many fans thought Aluko’s response to doubters was spot on.
    One said: “Gotta respect it.”
    Another declared: “Had everyone on strings, well played.”
    One noted: “Haha cook these Twitter kids Eni.”
    Another added: “Eniiii cook them.” More

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    How Man City dragged Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea into ugly bidding wars for SIX players costing them millions

    MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice, clearing the way for Arsenal to seal a deal.Pep Guardiola’s men saw a £90m offer rejected by West Ham earlier this week.
    Sheikh Mansour has invested heavily as Manchester City ownerCredit: Getty
    Pep Guardiola has often forced rival clubs to pay over the odds to fend off their interestCredit: AFP
    And the Gunners’ third bid now looks to have finally seen off competition from the Premier League champions.
    But City are no strangers to forcing rival clubs into paying more for their targets.
    Manchester United and Chelsea have both been on the receiving end of a bidding war with those at the Etihad.
    Here are six examples of Man City ramping up the price of a player by getting involved in a bidding war.
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    Fred – Transfer to Man Utd for £52m
    Fred signed for Manchester United back in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Brazilian international Fred was reportedly set to join Man City in 2018 when they agreed a £44.5m deal with Shakhtar Donetsk.
    In the end, he ended up moving to the red side of Manchester when United trumped their rivals with a £50m bid.
    And while the midfielder has racked up more than 200 appearances for the Red Devils, many supporters would argue he is yet to repay his substantial transfer fee.
    Jorginho – Transfer to Chelsea for £50m
    Chelsea pipped Man City to the signing of Jorginho five years agoCredit: Getty
    Many forget Jorginho was once on the verge of a move to the Etihad.
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    The Italian, 31, who has since left Chelsea for Arsenal, looked set to leave Napoli for Man City in 2018 as the Sky Blues closed in on a £46.5m deal.
    This forced Chelsea into eclipsing them with a late £50m offer as they hijacked City’s negotiations with the midfielder.
    But Guardiola waited patiently for 12 months, before snapping up Rodri the following summer – with the Spaniard going on to star for the English champions.

    Harry Maguire – Transfer to Man Utd for £80m
    Harry Maguire joined Man Utd for a British record fee four years agoCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Harry Maguire was a wanted man in the summer of 2019 as he prepared to leave Leicester.
    Man City were interested in acquiring the England international, but refused to exceed £65m.
    United then paid a considerable amount more than their city rivals – clinching a record £80m deal.
    And it’s safe to say it has not worked out for Maguire, who has struggled for form since joining four years ago.
    He looks set to depart Old Trafford this summer after spending much of last season on the bench.
    Cristiano Ronaldo – Transfer to Man Utd for £12.9m
    Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Man Utd in 2021Credit: Getty
    Cristiano Ronaldo returned for a second stint with Manchester United in 2021.
    But not before he was heavily linked with a STUNNING move to Man City.
    Guardiola’s side were reportedly offered the opportunity to sign the Portuguese legend, before United swooped in to offer Juventus £12.9m for the man who was entering the final year of his contract.
    He scored 27 goals in 54 appearances during his spell back in England, but ultimately ended up leaving in difficult circumstances as the club ripped up his deal following an astonishing interview with Piers Morgan.
    Alexis Sanchez – Swap deal to Man Utd for Henrikh Mkyhitaryan
    Alexis Sanchez joined Man Utd from Arsenal back in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
    Alexis Sanchez joined Man Utd in 2018 after Arsenal agreed a swap deal for Henrikh Mykhitaryan to go the other way.
    But Man City’s interest in the Chilean forced United into offering the player an astonishing £500,000-a-week salary.
    This was nearly DOUBLE the £290,000-a-week City were prepared to pay Sanchez.
    But Guardiola’s men had the last laugh as he bagged just five goals in 45 games for United before leaving for Inter in 2020.
    Declan Rice – Transfer to Arsenal for £105m
    Declan Rice looks set to leave West Ham for ArsenalCredit: Getty
    Rice looks set to become the latest player to sign for one of Man City’s Premier League rivals – after the Sky Blues had jacked up the price.
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    City’s £90m bid was rejected by West Ham, shortly before Arsenal then stormed in with a £105m offer.
    It remains to be seen whether he will be a success at the Emirates, but there is no denying the Gunners have had to fork over a remarkable fee to secure his services ahead of City. More

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    Declan Rice keen for Arsenal to improve £90m bid to seal Emirates switch but remains open to Man City transfer

    DECLAN RICE is waiting on Arsenal to increase their bid as the  transfer tug of war with Manchester City rumbles on.Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners saw an opening £90million approach for Rice rejected by West Ham.
    West Ham star Declan Rice wants Arsenal to improve their bid but is also keen on Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    City had entered the race on Monday night with an £80m offer, plus £10m in add-ons.
    Arsenal have seen two bids, the second also worth a club-record £90m — £75m up front plus £15m in add-ons — turned down.
    But the pressure is now back on the Gunners to make a third offer for the England midfielder, 24, and hit West Ham’s valuation of £106m.
    City will react to Arsenal’s next attempt but SunSport understands  Rice’s preferred destination is still North London.
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    However, Rice — who is currently on holiday  — would be open to moving to the North.
    SunSport understand Arsenal are planning a third bid for the midfielder almost 24 hours after City’s offer was rejected.
    The England international is manager Mikel Arteta’s priority signing this summer.
    And Rice is bound to move after turning down a bumper new contract from West Ham.
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    And following the Hammers’ success in the Europa Conference League, co-owner David Sullivan confirmed he would be leaving.
    City boss Pep Guardiola is said to view Rice as a replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who joined Barcelona.
    But Guardiola has also signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea to boost his midfield. More

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    Man City submit highest Declan Rice bid yet but Arsenal plan THIRD transfer offer as West Ham stick to £100m price

    MANCHESTER CITY have submitted a formal £90million bid for Declan Rice to spark a bidding war with Arsenal.However, it is still £10m short of West Ham’s valuation.
    Man City have made a formal bid for Declan RiceCredit: Getty
    The Etihad giants are huge admirers of the Hammers captain, 24, and keen to bolster their midfield following Ilkay Gundogan’s exit.
    Arsenal saw two bids for Rice – the second for £75m plus £15m in add-ons – rejected last week.
    But this evening City tabled their own opening offer while their rivals Arsenal are preparing a THIRD bid and remain hopeful of landing their No1 summer transfer target.
    It is understood the Treble winners proposed a deal for an initial £80m with £10m in add-ons.
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    Kalvin Phillips could be added into subsequent City offers to try and tempt West Ham to do business, especially after the Hammers failed to sign Phillips from Leeds.
    City had previously held off on making a bid because Rice would prefer to stay in London with his family and join Arsenal.
    However, the Gunners had failed to make an offer West Ham were willing to accept.
    City held off on making a move until they could get assurances from the 43-cap England ace.
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    But now Pep Guardiola’s side have pounced on their rivals’ hesitancy with the statement offer.
    They hope the extra £5m upfront rather than in add-ons could tempt West Ham to sell.
    However, the Hammers have continually wanted to hold out for £100m for their influential club captain, who has one year left on his current London Stadium contract – although there is an option for an extra 12 months.
    Chairman David Sullivan admitted after the Europa Conference League win that the memorable final would likely have been Rice’s final game for the club because he “wanted to go”.
    Rice was in Chelsea’s academy until he was released aged 14 and joined West Ham in 2014.
    He broke through into the first team in 2017 and has gone on to make 245 appearances for the East Londoners.
    The dramatic 2-1 win over Fiorentina in Prague, sealed by Jarrod Bowen’s late winner, secured the Hammers’ first European trophy for 58 years and etched skipper Rice’s name into the club’s history books forever.
    But few could begrudge the talismanic figure from fulfilling his desire to compete for the top titles regularly, including the Premier League and Champions League.
    And the latest development twist could nudge Guardiola into pole position to land him.
    Fellow Arsenal target Moises Caicedo, meanwhile, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea.
    The Blues, though, are yet to negotiate a transfer fee with Brighton for the Ecuador star.
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    Arsenal are also looking at Youssouf Fofana as well as closing in on Kai Havertz.
    City, meanwhile, are set to announce the signing of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic for £25m.
    Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta are battling over the West Ham captainCredit: Getty More

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    Who is Kai Havertz’s girlfriend Sophia Weber?

    KAI Havertz is a German footballer who has played for Premier League team Chelsea.All eyes are on the footballer due to news of his talks to sign with Arsenal in a £65 million transfer.
    Kai Havertz and his girlfriend Sophia Weber have been dating since 2018Credit: Instagram @kaihavertz29
    Who is Kai Havertz?
    Havertz was born on June 11, 1999, in Aachen, Germany.
    At only four years old, Havertz joined Alemannia Mariadorf before joining Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 11 for the club’s youth academy.
    Havertz was the club’s youngest-ever debutant and also became their youngest-ever goal scorer.
    With his impressive accolades, Hervertz garnered interest from several European clubs with Chelsea signing him in 2020.
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    His transfer was worth £72 million (€84 million) – making him one of the team’s most expensive signings.
    After signing with Chelsea, Havertz helped the club win their 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, 2021 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup.
    Former footballer-turned-pundit Paul Merson called Havertz “one of Chelsea’s best players”.
    He added: “People forget he is class. He knits things together. He’s a Rolls-Royce, he glides round the pitch.”
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    Havertz’s Arsenal transfer deal is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
    Jorghino recently teased fans with an Instagram pic eluding to the imminent transfer which showed the pair snapped in a selfie including several emoji’s.
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has described Havertz as being a “talented player” adding that “at Arsenal we are always interested in youngsters with experience”.
    Who is Kai Havertz’s girlfriend Sophia Weber?
    Kai Havertz is in a relationship with Sophia Weber.
    She is a model and social media influencer from Germany and is often seen supporting her man at games.
    Her unwavering support has not gone, unnoticed particularly during Havertz’s difficult times.
    Havertz has previously said: “Football is our life. If you lose a game, of course you don’t have an easy life.
    “I think everyone at home, especially my girlfriend, has had some tough weeks. I think she is happy now again and so am I.”
    Sophia boasts an impressive 362,000 followers on Instagram and lives in London with Havertz.
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    How did Kai and Sophia meet?
    The lovebirds met at a young age as they grew up in the same neighbourhood.
    They started out as friends with the relationship blossoming into a romantic connection in 2018, when they officially began dating. More

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    Arsenal’s Romeo Lavia transfer at risk of being HIJACKED as Premier League rivals join them, Man Utd and Chelsea in race

    ARSENAL’S Romeo Lavia transfer is at risk of being hijacked after a Premier League rival joined the race to sign him.Chelsea and Manchester United are also already understood to be monitoring the Southampton midfielder.
    Arsenal’s move for Romeo Lavia is at risk of being hijackedCredit: EPA
    Arsenal have been “advancing” in their talks to sign Lavia, despite the risk any deal could be scuppered by Manchester City.
    Lavia’s former club have a £40million buy-back clause as part of the deal which saw him leave for Southampton last summer.
    Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal now face competition from Liverpool as well.
    The Reds have enquired about signing Lavia and are now firmly in the race for his signature.
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    Although Arsenal have been working on a deal for over two weeks, Romano adds that neither club has made an official bid yet.
    Both United and Chelsea are monitoring the situation but are not currently in talks to sign Lavia.

    Chelsea previously failed with a £50million bid for the Belgian just weeks after his move to St. Mary’s following an impressive start to the season.
    Lavia, who can also play in central defence, made 35 appearances across all competitions last term after making his £10.5million switch.
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    He also scored once in the league as the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.
    The 19-year-old’s performances were a rare bright spark for the South Coast side, though, and have seen him linked with several top clubs this summer.
    Lavia’s form at club level also saw him make his senior international debut for Belgium in March. More

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    Arsenal already looking for Rice transfer alternatives as they join Premier League rivals in race for £30m Monaco star

    ARSENAL are already looking for Declan Rice transfer alternatives as they join the race for a £30million Monaco star.The Gunners are set to rival two of their Premier League rivals for the signing of Youssouf Fofana.
    Arsenal are already looking for transfer alternatives to Declan RiceCredit: Rex
    Rice has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer as part of Mikel Arteta’s squad overhaul.
    However, Arsenal have already had two bids rejected by West Ham United and are now being rivalled for his signature by Manchester City.
    The treble winners are the bookies’ favourites to sign Rice after entering the race for the England international.
    As a result, Arteta and Arsenal have started looking at alternative targets in the event they miss out on Rice.
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    L’Equipe report that Fofana has been identified as a potential player of interest.
    Arsenal are said to have joined the Hammers and Newcastle United with their interest in the France midfielder.

    Monaco value Fofana at £30million and are willing to let him leave if that valuation is met as he enters the final year of his contract.
    The report adds, though, that there has yet to be any approaches for Fofana, with Inter Milan and Roma also amongst his admirers.
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    Youssouf Fofana is available for just £30million this summerCredit: Reuters
    Fofana, who West Ham see as a possible replacement for Rice, joined Monaco from Strasbourg in 2020.
    He scored twice from midfield in 47 appearances last term but could not help his side qualify for Europe.
    Monaco missed out on continental football by two points as they finished sixth in Ligue 1. More