Transfer news: Rice to Chelsea, Arsenal Brandt boost, – today’s football gossip

Doubts have emerged over Chelsea’s bid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham while Brighton boss Graham Potter has warned Arsenal off a pursuit of his midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Gunners have however received a boost in their pursuit of Julian Brandt while West Ham are reportedly poised to conclude the sale of Sebastien Haller.

Haller’s move is expected to go through on Friday, potentially paving the way for Josh King to seal a move to the London Stadium.

Chelsea chiefs have Rice doubts

Source: David Ornstein, The Athletic

Chelsea chiefs reportedly have doubts over whether West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has the ability to make the step up and star for a team competing in the Champions League.

Rice, released by the Blues as a youngster, has been strongly linked with a return to Stamford Bridge with Frank Lampard thought to be driving efforts to sign the 21-year-old.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein notes however that while Lampard is a huge admirer, there are some at the club who remain unconvinced, unsure if Rice has addressed the weaknesses that contributed to the decision to release him from the club as a teenager.

There are also doubts over the financial investment needed to prise Rice away from West Ham.

No Arsenal approach for Bissouma

Source: The Argus

Brighton boss Graham Potter says he is unaware of interest in his midfielder Yves Bissouma despite links with Arsenal.

Football.London report Arsenal are keen on the Mali international and believe he would be open to the idea of joining the Gunners if the opportunity arises.

But Potter has made it clear there are no plans to sell Bissouma or any member of his first-team.

“We have had no interest as far as I am aware.

“Yves has probably played this season as much as he has played.

“He is enjoying his football, he is making steps.

“He is probably playing as well as he has done during his time here. That’s good for us, we need to focus on that.

“My job is to help him continue to make steps on the pitch, then whatever happens after isn’t necessarily my area.”

Haller completes Ajax medical

Source: The Athletic

Sebastien Haller will join Ajax on Friday after completing his medical ahead of a €22.5million move away from West Ham, according to The Athletic.

David Moyes is hoping to reshape his attack during the January window and the Hammers have been linked with Bournemouth’s Josh King as a possible replacement for the outgoing Haller.

Moyes hopes a change will unlock his attack with top-scoring frontman Jarrod Bowen averaging just 0.28 goals per game this season.

Dortmund ‘make Brandt available for loan’

Source: Bild

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly made Julain Brandt available for loan this January amid links to Arsenal.

Brandt has made just seven starts this summer but the Bundesliga club are not willing give up on him completely. The report states Dortmund recognise Brandt’s “long-term value” and as a result have alerted clubs to his availability for a temporary switch.

The news is a potential boost for the Gunners in their search for creativity in the middle though Football London claims Arsenal would prefer to negotiate a permanent move for the 24-year-old.

Sakho set for Palace exit

Source: Nice-Matin

Nice are closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace defender Mamadou Sakho, according to French newspaper Nice-Matin.

Sakho’s Palace deal is up in the summer and Nice are reportedly set to capitalise as they move in to finalise a deal.

The 30-year-old has made just four appearances under Roy Hodgson this term and has fallen down the pecking order behind Gary Cahill, Cheikhou Kouyate, Scott Dann and James Tomkins. He is one of the highest-earners at the club and Palace will keen to get him off the wage bill.