Transfer Gossip: Arsenal to step aside as Man Utd ready £100m transfer hijack; Mac Allister to Liverpool greenlit

Man Utd are ‘ready to rival’ Arsenal for a £100m-rated player and the Gunners could be blown away in a bidding war, while Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool is taking shape and Jesse Lingard could join a Euro giant – all in Saturdays’ Transfer Gossip.

MAN UTD TO HIJACK ARSENAL DEAL

The Red Devils are ready to rock Arsenal by snatching £100m-rated Declan Rice from West Ham, and a report has explained why the Gunners might miss out.

Rice, 24, is poised to become one of the summer window’s most in-demand players. The West Ham captain is one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders and an automatic pick for his country.

He holds ambitions to play in the Champions League and challenge for the game’s top honours. Try as they might, that’s not a craving West Ham can readily satisfy.

Rice has another year left on his deal and there’s also an option for an extra 12 months. However, it’s understood the Hammers will reluctantly cash in this summer if suitable offers starting at £100m are lodged.

On the subject of Rice’s future, manager David Moyes recently admitted there’s a “good chance” West Ham sell Rice at season’s end.

Moyes powerless to prevent Rice exit

“We honestly hope he stays,” said Moyes on Friday. “We’d love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season. So that’s one of the scenarios around planning.

“There are plans that we have Declan here but we’re also fully aware there is a good chance we won’t have him.”

Rice has been installed as Arsenal’s priority midfield target. However, according to the Guardian, the Gunners could be blown away by Man Utd.

They state Erik ten Hag’s side ‘plan to rival’ Arsenal and there are ‘growing indications’ Man Utd are about to ‘step up their interest’.

In the event a bidding war ensues, the Guardian add Arsenal’s hopes ‘could be hit’. Indeed, it’s theorised Arsenal would be reluctant to to pay £100m, never mind even higher fees if Man Utd are also bidding.

For the time being, it’s reiterated Arsenal remain the frontrunners to land Rice. However, if and when Man Utd firm up their interest, the favourites tag will change.

One ray of hope for Arsenal comes in the form of Man Utd’s other transfer plans. A centre-forward remains Ten Hag’s top priority and if signing Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen, for example, costs more than they hoped, United may be forced into backing away from Rice.

If their striker pursuit is relatively straightforward, Arsenal may be in trouble for Rice.

LIVERPOOL GREENLIGHT FOR ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER

Liverpool have received the go-ahead to bid for Brighton ace Alexis Mac Allister, and how much he’ll cost has come to light.

The Argentine World Cup winner is among Liverpool’s many midfield targets this summer. Jude Bellingham was top of their list, though the escalating cost of the deal forced a re-think.

Instead, multiple deals for far cheaper fees are being targeted, with Mac Allister seemingly first up.

According to TyC Sports journalist, Germán García Grova, Brighton have given Liverpool the greenlight to sign their star midfielder.

The Seagulls will now listen to any and all offers that are lodged, with the Argentine reporter adding Brighton are seeking £70m as a minimum.

Liverpool are confirmed as being “best positioned” to secure the coup. Other clubs known to admire Mac Allister include Chelsea and Man Utd.

Grova also noted Brighton will ramp up Mac Allister’s future from May 28 onwards. That is the final day of the Premier League season, thus indicating Brighton want a resolution one way or the other ironed out early in the summer window.

Varying reports have already claimed Liverpool have struck a verbal agreement over personal terms with Mac Allister.

If true, all that stands in Liverpool’s way is stumping up a suitable offer that’ll have to be worth at least £70m in total.

LINGARD TO JOIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CLUB?

Nottingham Forest flop, Jesse Lingard, has been offered to Turkish powerhouse Besiktas, according to a report.

The 30-year-old attacker signed a lucrative one-year deal at the City Ground upon leaving Man Utd as a free agent last summer.

Lingard has failed to ignite at Forest and has fallen down Steve Cooper’s pecking order of late. Indeed, Lingard has been afforded just two minutes of action since March 11.

However, according to the Nottingham Post, a surprise move to a potential Champions League contender in the form of Besiktas could await.

Citing reports out of Turkey, it’s claimed Besiktas are seeking a brand new No 10 this summer. It’s then noted Lingard has reportedly been offered to the Turkish giant through intermediaries.

Lingard will become a free agent at season’s end and has not done enough to earn a new contract at Forest. He’s yet to register a single goal or assist across his 17 EPL appearances for the club.

A surprise move to Besiktas could await where, if results go in their favour, Champions League football could await.

The top two on the Turkish Super Lig qualify for the UCL and Besiktas currently sit third. They are behind second-placed Fenerbahce on goal difference alone, though have played an extra game.