Transfer Gossip: PSG offer world-class Man Utd target to Man City in exchange for wantaway star; West Ham pursue ex-Arsenal man to replace Declan Rice

A stunning report has revealed Paris Saint-Germain have offered Manchester City an exchange involving a top-class Manchester United target and one of his world-renowned team-mates, West Ham have set their sights on a former Arsenal player to fill the Declan Rice void, while Wednesday’s Transfer Gossip claims an Arsenal and Chelsea-linked star has reached an agreement over his next move.

PSG, MAN CITY IN MASSIVE SWAP DEAL

PSG are prepared to go to great lengths to sign Man City playmaker Bernardo Silva and have even offered Pep Guardiola’s side two of the biggest names in football as part of a swap deal, according to a report.

Silva played a massive role in City’s treble-winning campaign, making 55 appearances in all competitions and putting in some unbelievable performances on their route to Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League glory.

Silva still has two years left to run on the lucrative contract he signed in March 2019. However, it does not look like he will see it out.

Various sources have outlined his desire to take part in a new challenge away from the Etihad. Following the Champions League final triumph, the attacking midfielder remained coy on his future, insisting he ‘doesn’t know’ what will happen and telling fans ‘we will see’.

While there is interest from Barcelona in Silva, PSG are the frontrunners to sign him. PSG chief Luis Campos has a good relationship with Silva, having signed him for Monaco in January 2015.

At City’s recent treble celebrations, Jack Grealish was filmed begging Silva not to leave. But PSG could break Grealish’s heart by luring the Portugal international away with a super offer.

French outlet Foot Mercato claim PSG have tried to tempt City into selling Silva by making two huge names available for an exchange. They are Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is generally considered one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and midfielder Marco Verratti, who has been named as a target for Man Utd.

Last month, reports in Spain suggested Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag could launch a massive bid for Verratti after identifying him as an ‘ideal’ partner for Casemiro in midfield.

Man Utd-linked star offered to rivals

Instead, though, the nine-time Ligue 1 champion has been offered to Man Utd’s local rivals City.

Foot Mercato add that City have been quick in their response to PSG’s exchange offer, coming back with a ‘categorical refusal’. But that is not the end of the transfer pursuit, as Campos will continue discussions with his City counterparts in an attempt to finally convince them on a sale.

After the Verratti and Donnarumma offer failed, it is likely PSG will return with a huge bid solely made up of money. They should have plenty of cash to spend this summer after slapping a €200million (£171m) price tag on forward Kylian Mbappe, who will not extend his contract with the club beyond 2024. Real Madrid are ready to push for Mbappe once again, although Man Utd could also enter talks for the France ace.

Losing Silva will clearly be a huge blow for Guardiola, given how influential the 28-year-old has been in recent seasons. However, the Citizens have already identified a potential replacement. They have agreed personal terms with midfielder Mateo Kovacic and are getting closer to signing the Chelsea man.

WEST HAM WANT ARSENAL ACADEMY GRADUATE

West Ham have landed on former Arsenal youth player Yunus Musah as a potential midfield signing to replace Declan Rice, according to one journalist.

Rice will almost certainly leave West Ham this summer. His contract expires in June 2024 and he has rejected numerous offers to extend it, effectively forcing West Ham into a corner.

Following the club’s victory in the Europa Conference League, Irons chairman David Sullivan revealed he has ‘promised’ Rice he can leave ahead of next season.

Bayern are interested in the England international, but they know he would rather remain in England. As such, it is Arsenal who are in pole position to complete a huge deal.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has told TEAMtalk West Ham want £100m plus add-ons for their captain. Arsenal, in contrast, are only willing to go as far as £90m.

A deal is expected to be done though, and that will put West Ham in the market for some midfield additions. As per James Benge of CBS Sports, West Ham chiefs feel they need to sign two midfielders to replace Rice’s influence.

And Musah is among their list of targets. He came through Arsenal’s academy but never actually made a first-team appearance before leaving for Valencia in August 2019.

Valencia have just endured a poor season, finishing 16th in La Liga. However, Musah has impressed during his 33 league appearances, while he also did well while representing the USA at the Qatar World Cup. Due to these displays, Musah has ’emerged as a target for West Ham’, Benge writes.

The 20-year-old is being looked at by several Premier League teams, but West Ham have so far ‘shown the most sustained interest in him’. The East London outfit could soon turn that interest into a concrete bid.

Musah is not the only midfielder West Ham are looking at to succeed from Rice. They like the look of Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, who has enjoyed a great first season in England. But Fulham owner Tony Khan is eager to keep the Portuguese, which means David Moyes’ side have some work to do.

ARSENAL, CHELSEA MISS OUT ON RISING STRIKER

Arsenal and Chelsea appear to have lost out in the chase for exciting Brazilian striker Vitor Roque, with the star reportedly reaching an agreement to join Barcelona.

In March, Barca were viewed as the frontrunners to sign Roque. However, they failed to offer his current club Athletico Paranaense enough money to get the Brazilian outfit to sign off on an exit. This left Athletico Paranaense annoyed and resulted in them considering offers from other teams.

Arsenal and Chelsea soon moved in to try and hijack Barca’s move for Roque. And the two London clubs made progress over a move, too.

But Roque’s ideal next destination is Barca and this has worked in the favour of Xavi’s side. They have since come back with an improve offer and this has been accepted, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

It is claimed that all details of the transfer have now been agreed. Roque has been handed a five-year contract, while Barca will pay Athletico Paranaense a fee of €4om (£34m) over three instalments.

Deco, who will soon become Barca’s new director of football, has played a pivotal role in the move. Deco’s knowledge of the Brazilian market and relationship with Roque’s agent, Andre Cury, are two of the main reasons why the Blaugrana have been able to pull this off.

Despite the agreement between the two clubs and the player himself, Barca cannot actually announce his arrival just yet. Due to their bloated wage bill, they must get three more players off their books before the 18-year-old goalscorer can officially join.