The window just opened but it feels like we're in crunch time. So much is going on so fast but I guess that could be expected due to the unusual circumstances of the previous season.
One deal that has captured the headlines in recent weeks is the race to sign Declan Rice. The information coming out is that the player favours a move to Arsenal instead of some stellar names like Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester United and most recently, treble winning Manchester City who put in a bid.
All we have gotten is that The hammers are not going to consider any offer less than £100m but whether the player is actually worth that sum is left for conversation. However, that is his parents club's valuation of him and it is within their right to feel that way.
Arsenal are huge admirers of the player and it does seem like the feeling is mutual. West Ham unexpectedly rejected City's offer that amounted to £90m but shockingly enough that offer almost mirrored the total sum that Arsenal offered, so that's a bit strange.
I guess City's structure was somewhat different from Arsenal's for them to make a proposal for a grand total that was only just recently rejected. In any case, this saga looks set to capture the airwaves for a couple of weeks.
The feeling I'm getting from Arsenal is that the aim is to sort out all the incomings and outgoings before preseason friendlies kick off. As we saw last season with Zinchenko and Jesus, a proper pre season can propel your season, so getting business done will be at the top of Edu and Arteta's minds.
Rice and the City
I try not to base my opinions about football transfers on rumours that summarize the entire process. There's also this thing that social media does where millions of people quote the same source, creating this feeling that you've seen the same information for so long that it must be true.
That said, the prevalent news is that Rice doesn't have anything against joining City but he would prefer to join Arsenal. There have been different speculation about why he would prefer Arsenal and they include, game time, and proximity to his current abode.
I think game time is a factor and while having a family that's settled in London is a consideration, I seriously doubt it is a determining factor in a multi million pounds move of an athlete in a profession where moving around is just part of the package.
Truth is, Manchester City simply haven't offered a proposal that aligns with Rice's current and future plans. If City decide to bet big, I think Rice's head will spin. Who wouldn't want to work under Guardiola?
At the same time, it does seem like any chance of Rice moving to City will require the Oil Rich club to blow everyone out of the water with their offer. City have the capacity to do it but do they really think Rice is worth the stress? Time will tell.