Arsenal: Fans have spotted Oleksandr Zinchenko CONFIRMING Declan Rice transfer rumours

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Arsenal star Oleksandr Zinchenko shared a moment with Declan Rice at full-time of England's win against Ukraine, where he appeared to address Rice's supposed move

Arsenal and Ukraine star Oleksandr Zinchenko controls the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 group C qualification football match between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium in London on March 26, 2023.
(Image credit: JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal fans believe they've just received confirmation from Oleksandr Zinchenko that a move for Declan Rice is imminent.

Zinchenko lined up as the Ukraine captain opposite England at Wembley, as the Three Lions ran out 2-0 winners. Zinchenko's club-mate Bukayo Saka secured the Man of the Match with an assist for Harry Kane before launching a stunning 20-yard curler to double England's lead before half-time.

But even after the full-time whistle, Arsenal fans were captivated, as Zinchenko shared a hug with Declan Rice.

Declan Rice gestures duting West Ham's 1-1 draw against Newcastle in February 2023.

West Ham United star Declan Rice is the priority signing for Arsenal this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)

Twitter user, Jason Milne, appeared to capture the moment that the Ukraine captain asked West Ham United captain Rice, "You joining?"

OK, so he could have said something completely unrelated – but now you know why footballers tend to cover their mouths when talking to one another on the field. 

Though Rice's response wasn't clear, the moment has fueled rumours that the Gunners are pursuing a move for the defensive midfielder. Rice is believed to be Arsenal's priority signing this summer – and Irons boss David Moyes seemed to confirm last month that a big fee will be needed to sign him.

“He'll be a British transfer record if he ever leaves West Ham,” the Scot said, adding, “I hope he sees his time here.”

West Ham manager David Moyes applauds during his side's 4-0 loss at Brighton in March 2023.

David Moyes reckons a mammoth bid would tempt Rice away (Image credit: Getty Images)

West Ham are believed to have offered Rice three contract extensions beyond 2024, all of which, the star has turned down. 

Rice is valued at €80 million by Transfermarkt. 

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The rumour mill is going into overdrive with Arsenal leading the way in the race to sign Declan Rice. One source claims a contract has been agreed with the midfielder, though Manchester City are interested, too. West Ham apparently have a successor lined up.

In other rumours, Raheem Sterling is being targeted, with a centre-forward on the wishlist, according to reports. A bid for Raphinha has been revealed while Rasmus Holjund of Atalanta is on the radar, too. January target Ivan Fresneda is still wanted by the Gunners, as well. 

Meanwhile, Chelsea star Mykhaylo Mudryk – who turned down Arsenal in the winter window – has addressed his supposed unhappiness at Stamford Bridge. 

Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.