Manchester United believe they have identified the next Declan Rice, and they may be able to sign him for £25million less than what the Arsenal midfielder was signed for.

Michael Carrick is looking to build on the success of last season that saw United finish in the top three and without much of a sweat. Such a high finish has been a rarity for the Old Trafford club over recent years, but fans are still going to want to see more progress come next season.

Carrick will likely be expected to lead the Red Devils into the title conversation, even if the title itself is likely to be a big ask, and silverware will also be close to the top of the wishlist, given United have not won a trophy since 2023.

Following his permanent appointment this summer, Carrick has immediately set about improving his midfield following the departure of Casemiro. Ederson has been brought in on a £34million deal from Atalanta, and the United boss still wants a clear replacement for Casemiro in the holding role.

But given how players like Rodri, Rice and Casemiro have highlighted the importance of having a world-beating holding midfielder over recent years, it has become one of the most expensive positions to invest in.

Not only that, but there are few truly elite options available, with the likes of Rodri, Rice, Vitinha and Moises Caicedo firmly unavailable. Proven world-class players at the position are rarely made available, and so it becomes a case of trying to identify players who have the potential to become what those proven talents are.

Man Utd identify the next Declan Rice

As United search for their Casemiro replacement, they have reportedly identified the ideal option in West Ham star Mateus Fernandes. With the Hammers having been relegated, United feel as though they can get a deal done for Fernandes, who, according to Sky Sports, club chiefs feel was one of the best young players in the Premier League this season.

The report adds that United feel as though Fernandes could be the next Rice, and not just because he is an emerging West Ham talent. Fernandes was clearly West Ham’s best player, albeit during a difficult season, and he proved he could handle a Premier League midfield despite being just 21 years of age.

The youngster was in the conversation for the Portugal World Cup squad, but he was beaten out by Mallorca’s Samu Costa, who is also being linked with a big move this summer. Costa will be the alternative to Vitinha, who is quickly succeeding Rodri as the best player in the world in his position.

West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton in 2025 for a fee of £38million, and they are said to be asking for at least £80million to do business this summer. That’s £25million less than Arsenal paid for Rice, and transfers have only increased in cost since then. Still, United may feel they can work the Hammers down a little, given the London club are Championship-bound, and indeed the fact Fernandes is likely to demand an exit this summer.

Arsenal may now have the upper hand in the race to sign Julian Alvarez, according to Spanish outlet AS, as speculation surrounding the striker’s future continues to fly.

The former Manchester City ace has been the subject of interest from Barcelona for much of the year, a saga that became very public when Atletico Madrid hit out at their rivals on social media over reports in the media.

While the Blaugrana appeared most likely to sign the Argentina international, there was a twist in store as their rivals Real Madrid made a €150 million (£129.4 million) offer that was rejected.

That interest was made public with an official statement from Los Blancos, as their city rivals Atletico hit out on social media once again over the move.

While the war of words has continued, Arsenal appear to be lurking in the background for a potential deal, and could now have the advantage.

Julian Alvarez Transfer Latest

Arsenal’s interest in Alvarez is no surprise, but it perhaps hasn’t been quite as advanced as that of Barcelona and, more recently, Real Madrid.

The Gunners have played more of a waiting game, which may now work in their favour, as AS reports that they remain the only club in the mix with both the money and the interest to seal a deal.

As it stands, Barcelona have no interest in budging from their highest offer of €100 million (£86.2 million), with focus potentially shifting to Chelsea star Joao Pedro as the next target.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are set to move on from their pursuit of Alvarez after the latest offer, with the report from AS seemingly placing Arsenal as the most likely candidates to now sign the 26-year-old.

That said, it stresses that a move won’t be easy, underlined by how ruthlessly Atletico Madrid have turned down recent offers for the star.

The Spanish club have repeatedly pointed towards a €500 million (£431.3 million) release clause as the only option for an exit, though GiveMeSport understands that certain Champions League clubs can trigger a move for around €150 million (£129.4 million), but with taxes on top.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal would be willing to sanction such a deal, but the report from AS suggests that the funds and interest are certainly present to get a move over the line.

Is Alvarez Worth €150 Million?

Rodrigo Valle via Reuters

If Arsenal make a move for Alvarez at the price listed in his release clause, then it’s a deal that could see the club match, and perhaps exceed, the most expensive signing in Premier League history – which was Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer for an initial £125 million rising to £130 million.

While it would appear as though the Gunners may have the funds and want to continue building after securing the Premier League title last season, there are doubts over the value of such a move.

As Isak’s move has proven, even the most certain of moves don’t always work out as intended or expected, with the large transfer fee not always guaranteeing quality will translate.

Alvarez does have Premier League experience as well as versatility, though, and is capable of playing as a striker or in the wide left channel if required, making him an attractive option.

The ex-City star scored an impressive 20 goals and bagged nine assists across all competitions last season, many of which came during the Champions League campaign.

He may add plenty, but there is a risk with such a transfer fee. The question is whether Arsenal feel it is the time to make such a risk to potentially add that missing piece up front, or if they want to keep building safely without having the same potential ceiling.

Kim Kardashian made her first appearance in the Formula 1 paddock since she and Lewis Hamilton began their relationship this past weekend. She was seen showering the British driver with support and affection at the Monaco Grand Prix, but her presence didn’t come without its controversy.

Ostensibly, the relationship appears to be perfect. However, body language expert Judi James suggests there may be some issues lurking beneath the surface.

While Hamilton is used to seeing black and white flags in his career, some red flags may be cropping up in his relationship, with hints that it may be slightly one-sided.

Body Expert Analyses Lewis Hamilton & Kim Kardashian at Monaco

After the Brit finished second in Monaco, a sweet moment could be seen as he accepted his trophy, when the seven-time championship winner blew a kiss to Kim before embracing her.

Judi notes, though, that it was Kim who added the romance during their intimate moment, as she explained: “Lewis bent to kiss her on the side of the neck, but she intensified or upgraded the signals of passion by pressing her face firmly next to his and pushing her head forward onto his shoulder wearing an expression of bliss.”

This act from Kim turned what would’ve been a sweet, but somewhat trivial moment, into one of clear love and affection.

Later on, during the celebrations, Hamilton sprayed champagne over Kim, an act which also came under examination by Judi, who wrote: “For many women, this might have been a red card moment. Kim’s styling, her hair, and her expensive designer dress would not have been worn to be soaked in sticky alcohol.

“Soaking her like that might need some careful unpicking in terms of whether Lewis intended to show her who was boss or bring her down a peg or two. Would he have enjoyed getting similarly soaked when he was in his purple arrival cloak and designer suit? Probably not.”

Judi commented on their chemistry as a whole throughout the trip, adding: “This power-pairing adds mutual levels of kudos to both their brands, and it allows Kim to play “sweethearts” in a way that she never could with the sulky and complex Kanye West or the edgy bad boy that was Pete Davidson.”

Elaborating further on their relationship as a whole, she commented: “The bigger cues and clues as to the core emotions of this relationship, which is clearly based on friendship, came with the more “private” moments between the couple later.

Hamilton Addresses Kim Kardashian Relationship For First Time

It was during the acceptance of his trophy that Hamilton addressed his relationship with Kim for the first time, saying: “It’s amazing to have her come this weekend and have her support. My friends [in general]. It was an incredible turnout overall. I don’t know what else to say. It’s amazing to have good people around you and supporting you. And she does that for me every day.”

The couple have enjoyed trips to Japan, England, and France together, and were spotted at the Super Bowl back in February, but the Monaco Grand Prix marked the first time they have gone public with their words and affection, and further appearances of Kim in the paddock look likely as the F1 season goes on.

While Hamilton is yet to win a race since switching to Ferrari last year, he has not let that demoralise his perennially competitive and positive spirit, stating he feels ‘inspired to level up’ and is ‘happy, grateful, and thankful.’ His next outing will be the Barcelona GP at the weekend, where he will hope to improve on his second place outing at Monaco.