West Ham Eye Joao Palhinha as Replacement for Declan Rice
West Ham United have identified Portuguese midfielder Joao Palhinha as a possible successor to Declan Rice, should the latter make the move to Arsenal. The Hammers have rejected two bids from Arsenal for Rice, with the Gunners expected to return with a third offer.
West Ham’s Search for Replacements
With Rice potentially on his way out, West Ham are on the hunt for replacements in midfield and have identified Palhinha as a top target. The 27-year-old joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon last summer for a reported fee of £20million and enjoyed a superb first season in English football under Marco Silva.
Fulham’s £90m Valuation of Palhinha
However, the Daily Mail report that Fulham have placed an astonishing £90million valuation on Palhinha in hope of scaring off potential suitors. The west Londoners are using West Ham’s own £100million asking price for Rice as a bench mark in their demands. West Ham and other interested parties will not consider meeting that huge asking price but could test their resolve with lower offers of around £50m.
West Ham Also Interested in Edson Alvarez
West Ham are also interested in Ajax’s Edson Alvarez as a possible replacement for Rice but latest reports suggest Borussia Dortmund are now the favourites to sign the Mexican.
Arsenal’s Third Offer for Rice
Arsenal submitted a second offer for Rice on Tuesday of £75million plus £15million in add-ons which was also rejected. The Gunners are now preparing a third bid, with West Ham seeking a minimum of £90million plus further add-ons to push the deal over the £100million mark.