According to talkSPORT, Matteo Guendouzi, a former midfielder for Arsenal, is a top candidate for West Ham to take Declan Rice’s spot.
The Marseille player played for the Gunners from 2018 to 2020, but after falling out of favor at the Emirates, he spent the final two years of his deal on loan.
Guendouzi, who made a permanent move to Marseille this season, has made such an impression that the Premier League is showing interest in him in addition to earning a spot in the France squad.
Aston Villa has been connected to the central midfielder as well, and West Ham may suddenly be a rival.
That comes amid rumors regarding Rice, the captain of the Hammers, who is anticipated to leave this summer.
Since Rice’s current contract at the London Stadium expires the next year, West Ham runs the risk of losing him for nothing if he doesn’t sign an extension before then.
The England regular had previously been closely linked to Manchester United and Chelsea, but more recently, Arsenal has taken the lead amid January interest.
Given that West Ham requires a replacement in the center of midfield, Guendouzi may be crucial to his former team in securing that deal.
The 24-year-old recorded five goals and five assists last year and has five goals and five assists for third-placed OM this campaign.
Additionally, he was a member of the France team led by Didier Deschamps that advanced to the 2022 World Cup final.