Transfer Rumours: Shock Declan Rice bid as Chelsea chase ambitious signing

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Tom Weber | Writer

FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 8 September, including the latest updates on Declan Rice, Alex Scott and Willian Pacho.

Rice received Saudi bid

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice turned down a "huge" bid from an unnamed Saudi Pro League club earlier this year, Nicolo Schira claims.

The England star has been one of Arsenal's key players since joining from West Ham in 2023, and the Gunners are hard at work trying to extend his contract, which runs until 2028 with the option for a further season.

Rice seems to be keen to stay as he rebuffed the Saudi offer. There is a firm expectation that the midfielder puts pen to paper on fresh terms at the Emirates, with his new contract expected to run until at least 2031.

Chelsea's Scott strategy

Chelsea are already laying the groundwork for the future signing of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, TEAMtalk writes.

The Blues failed to sign the 23-year-old this summer, but their interest remains. In fact, Chelsea consider him one of their top targets after all but ruling out a new approach for Lamine Camara following his collapsed transfer from AS Monaco on Deadline Day.

Given the strong interest from other clubs, Chelsea are trying to pre-agree a deal for Scott with Bournemouth ahead of next year, while the Cherries are still trying to get him to sign a new contract.

Pacho scouted

Arsenal and Man City scouted centre-back Willian Pacho in PSG's 2-2 draw with Lille two weeks ago, CaughtOffside understands.

The Ecuador international is one of the best left-footed central defenders in European football, which naturally makes him an attractive player due to the dearth of elite options with that profile.

However, a transfer appears to be off the table, as PSG announced on Friday that Pacho had agreed terms on a new contract until 2031, meaning that he is unlikely to move next year.

Martial to Everton?

Former Man Utd forward Anthony Martial is an option for Everton, as per Foot Mercato.

The 30-year-old is a free agent after leaving Mexican giants Monterrey following a disastrous spell during which he only scored one goal. Martial has not played a competitive fixture since March.

However, there is European interest in him. He has turned down two offers from Ligue 1, while a Champions League club also considered signing him before withdrawing their offer. Everton enquired about him last week after their failure to sign a striker on Deadline Day.

Man Utd raid Liverpool

Man Utd have agreed a deal to sign Liverpool youngster Isaac Konde, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The 16-year-old will join the Red Devils from their hated rivals in a controversial move. Konde is primarily a wide player who featured for Liverpool's U18s last season.

Romano did not disclose any of the terms of the transfer but insists that all the necessary paperwork for the deal has been completed by Man Utd, with the move to be formally confirmed in due course.

More transfer rumours

Arsenal will only consider offers for Viktor Gyokeres if they have a "top-class" replacement lined up. (TEAMtalk)

Lazio are interested in former Inter and Al-Nassr midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, who is currently a free agent. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and Bournemouth forward Eli Kroupi are Arsenal's top attacking targets heading into 2027. (CaughtOffside)

Liverpool and Man City have been offered the chance to sign former Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal. (TEAMtalk)

Arsenal and Man Utd are interested in Borussia Dortmund left-back Daniel Svensson. (fussballdaten)

Man City are interested in Atletico Madrid attacker Alex Baena but are not expected to make a move in January. (Football Insider)

Arsenal and Man Utd enquired about 18-year-old Al-Hilal striker Mohamed Kader Meite before the summer window shut. (TEAMtalk)

Related stories:

Arsenal Transfer News Today: Joao Pedro talks as Viktor Gyokeres decision made

Chelsea Transfer News Today: Alex Scott plan as 'broken relationship' changes everything

Man Transfer News Today: Controversial signing agreed as €30m twist makes deal possible