Arsenal transfer blow as West Ham ‘want Kalvin Phillips’ who could be included in Man City deal for Declan Rice
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WEST HAM are interested in Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to reports.
And the Hammers' admiration of Phillips could spell bad news for Arsenal's pursuit of Declan Rice.
The Gunners are eager to seal a deal for the West Ham captain and have so far had two bids rejected.
Arsenal's latest bid of £75million plus a further £15m in add-ons was swiftly turned down by David Moyes' side, who value their star man at north of £100m.
Mikel Arteta's men are expected to try again for Rice, but Man City could attempt to beat them to the punch.
It emerged last week that Pep Guardiola's Treble-winners also like Rice, and could potentially launch a move of their own for the England star.
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With Ilkay Gundogan set to join Barcelona, there could soon be a vacancy in City's midfield.
And according to , City may offer Phillips plus cash for Rice.
The former Leeds star joined the Prem champions from his boyhood club in a £42m switch 12 months ago.
He has failed to make an impact at the Etihad thus far, starting only four games in all competitions during an injury-hit campaign.
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Moyes remains a huge fan of Phillips, having tried to bring him to East London in January 2022.
And while West Ham are resigned to losing Rice, Phillips could be as good a replacement as they can attract.
The 27-year-old, who scored for England against North Macedonia on Monday night, wants to stay and fight for his place at City.
He said: "My intention is to stay at City. We have just won the Treble, so there is no reason for me to leave. If I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it.
"But I cannot give it 12 months and say 'I am not playing so I am going to leave'. As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team.
"Hopefully I will enjoy my off season and then work hard when I get back. I will definitely speak to Pep.
"I don’t know whether it will be in the summer because everyone enjoys their downtime and everyone wants their space away from football so I’ll probably leave it until I go back for pre-season but I’ll just speak to him and have a good conversation."
City are on the brink of signing Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £30m.
But following Gundogan's departure, that doesn't mean that they won't also move for Rice.
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Arsenal, meanwhile, could sell Thomas Partey this summer.
According to transfer expert , the Ghanaian may move to the Middle East - with Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly willing to pay up to £34m in instalments for the midfielder.
