Newcastle United's reported summer pursuit of Declan Rice may be thwarted by an offer from Arsenal - and therefore a chance for the Kingston Upon Thames-born midfielder to remain in the capital. The Magpies have been strongly linked with a move for Rice who at the age of 24 is just three shy of 200 Premier League appearances for West Ham but has long been tipped with a move away from the club.
With West Ham embroiled in a battle for their Premier League status, a summer move away for Rice looks even more likely, and Newcastle, with Champions League football looking a strong possibility, have shot right to the top of the list of suitors. However, speaking on The Everything is Black and White Podcast, John Gibson believes that Rice may favour a move to Arsenal rather than to Tyneside.
"If we Newcastle are signing a defensive midfield player, I can't think of anyone that's better than Declan Rice to bring in. But will we bring in Declan Rice? No, because I think it's a step too far at this stage, financially, and I think that if he gets the opportunity to stay in London, and that opportunity would obviously best be at Arsenal, then I think he would sign and stay in London.
