Man Utd could miss out on £90m summer transfer as Premier League rival takes ‘upper hand’

The latest transfer news surrounding Manchester United.
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Arsenal have the ‘upper hand’ in the race to sign Declan Rice, according to recent reports.

The midfielder is a reported transfer target for Manchester United, although the pursuits of Mason Mount and a centre-forward are expected to take precedence over a move for Rice, who could play his final match for West Ham United on Wednesday in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

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The Guardian claim ‘the mood is one of acceptance rather than anger’ at the Hammers, with the player’s exit expected given he has a year remaining on his contract. The same outlet add Arsenal are the side most likely to sign Rice, although United ‘could make a late move’ for the England international. A transfer to Manchester City, Newcastle United or Chelsea also looks unlikely.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal are expected to step up their negotiations after West Ham’s final in Prague, with the Irons valuing their captain at £120m, although a deal closer to £90m is expected to be agreed. City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is also said to be a target for the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are another side linked with a move for Rice, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed that United are monitoring Leon Goretzka, who could be allowed to leave the German champions if Rice joins. Plettenberg tweeted to say there are ‘no concrete talks or negotiations yet’ with Goretzka, and stated the midfielder wants to remain at Bayern.

ManchesterWorld understand that United are in the market for a midfielder this summer, and could even add two to their ranks. This could be dependent on which players leave Old Trafford in the market, and Erik ten Hag is willing to sell Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek. Mount has been heavily linked with a move to the Red Devils, while Adrien Rabiot is another reported target.