Arsenal transfer news roundup: Declan Rice prefers Emirates move; the club suffers the setback of Eduardo Camavinga, and more

Arsenal host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday (January 22) in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s charges are flying high at the top of the league table after 18 games, while their opponents are eight points behind in fourth place.

Meanwhile, Declan Rice prefers to move to the Emirates. On the other hand, the Gunners have suffered a setback in their search for Eduardo Camavinga. Along those lines, here’s a look at Arsenal’s key transfer stories on January 22, 2023:

Declan Rice prefers to move to the Emirates

Declan Rice prefers to move to Arsenal over Chelsea, according to The Guardian. The English midfielder is likely to leave West Ham United at the end of the season.

The 24-year-old has been a standout for the Hammers in recent seasons, but now he is eager to take the next step in his career. The player is not short of options, with the Blues and Gunners among the clubs eager to secure his signature.

Rice was part of Chelsea’s academy during their formative years, but was allowed to leave before he could realize his potential. The club’s hierarchy are eager to make amends for his mistake and are now pushing to secure his signature. However, the Englishman wants to move to the Emirates, as the idea of ​​playing with Arteta appeals to him.

Declan Rice’s game in numbers vs. Everton:

100% tackles won
83% passing accuracy
73 touches
47 passes completed
11 ball recoveries
16 final third passes
3 aerial duels won
3 authorizations
3 interceptions
2 long balls completed
1 key pass

Exceptional performance.

Declan Rice’s game in numbers against Everton: 100% tackling wins 83% passing accuracy 73 touches 47 pass completions 11 ball recoveries 16 late third passes 3 aerial duels won 3 clearances 3 interceptions 2 long balls completed 1 key pass Exceptional performance. 🍚 https://t.co/qN8SGXDCDp

The Spanish coach has led his team to the top of the league this season, making them favorites to go all the way. However, Arteta is aware that his team needs reinforcements to sustain his recent promotion and wants to install Rice in midfield. West Ham would like to demand a colossal fee, in excess of £100m, for their star man.

However, the Englishman’s current contract expires in 2024 and he has not yet committed to signing a new contract. As such, the 24-year-old could be available at a reduced price at the end of the season. Rice has recorded 26 competitive appearances for the Hammers this season, scoring one goal and assisting three more.

Arsenal suffers the setback of Eduardo Camavinga

Arsenal have suffered a setback in their eagerness to take Eduardo Camavinga to the Emirates.

The French midfielder is one of the brightest young talents at the moment and has been quite impressive with Real Madrid. However, he is reportedly unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu after failing to become a regular under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Gunners hope to secure his signing by offering him regular first-team football.

The North London giants have been heavily linked with a move for the player this month. However, speaking recently, as quoted by 90 Min, the player’s agent, Joshua Barnett, has said that his client is happy with Los Blancos:

“There is no truth (of him leaving). Of course, all the clubs in the world would like him, but he is very happy at Real Madrid and Real Madrid is very happy with Camavinga,” Barnett said.

Speaking recently, Ancelotti also stressed that the 20-year-old is firmly in his plans.

“I really believe in him. It is true that I have removed him several times at the end of the first half, and I have not always been fair with him in this aspect, but I have full confidence in him, and tomorrow he will contribute to the team as he always does.” said Ancelotti.

Camavinga has appeared 26 times in competitions this season for the La Liga giants, recording one assist.

Edu Gasper wants Raphinha at Emirates

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has said that Arsenal sporting director Edu Gasper is a fan of Raphinha.

The 26-year-old moved to Barcelona from Leeds United last summer but has had trouble settling in at the Camp Nou. Arteta looks for reinforcements in attack and is ready to come back for the player.

Raphinha’s first 14 games with Barcelona: 1 goal and 1 assist.

Raphinha’s last 10 games with Barcelona: 3 Goals and 6 Assists.

Raphinha’s first 14 games with Barcelona: 1 Goal and 1 Assist. Raphinha’s last 10 games with Barcelona: 3 Goals and 6 Assists. https://t.co/IkjVlhTPt6

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian last summer but failed to reach an agreement. Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke said Edu believes his compatriot would be a great fit at the Emirates.

“Arsenal’s interest in Raphinha makes a lot of sense. Obviously they were very interested in signing him last summer before he moved to Barcelona, ​​so I’m sure he has stayed on the radar. Edu is also a big fan of his Brazilian compatriot and he thinks he could be a good fit at Arsenal,” O’Rourke said.

Raphinha has appeared 24 times in competition for the Blaugrana this season, registering four goals and six assists.