Will Declan Rice leave West Ham this summer?
This one has ’saga‘ written all over it.
Such dreary stories in which seemingly no progress is ever made are features of the summer transfer window, and we’ve got to prepare ourselves for weeks and potentially months of stagnant Declan Rice updates.
The West Ham skipper has developed into one of Europe’s leading midfielders by the tender age of 24, and there’s no doubt that he’s outgrown the east London club.
A big move beckons for Rice, but where the England international ends up is a mystery that may take a while to solve.
Rice rejected a bumper new deal in May 2022 that would’ve seen him become the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
West Ham offered him a whopping eight-year extension, but Rice turned it down due to his desire to play Champions League football and compete for the highest honours.
Thus, the midfielder’s current deal in east London expires in June 2024, although West Ham do have the option to extend his deal by another year which safeguards against them from losing Rice for nothing next summer, and gives them a little more leverage in negotiations with potential buyers.
West Ham boss David Moyes slapped a £150m price tag on Rice’s head last year, and it’s understood the Hammers will be looking for a fee in excess of £100m for the midfielder’s services this summer.
The Irons are said to be paying close attention to Jude Bellingham’s transfer situation and the fee Borussia Dortmund can garner for his sale.
At this stage, reports on West Ham’s valuation vary, but it appears that the club aren’t too concerned about the player’s contract situation. That certainly hasn’t diminished his value severely in their eyes, and clubs may be forced to pay £120m to sign Rice this summer.
A whole host of Premier League clubs are keen on signing Rice.
90min reported back in February that Manchester City have renewed their interest in the player, and incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be interested in working with Rice at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have long been admirers of their former academy player, but a move to west London may depend on the future of Mason Mount. Rice is, of course, good friends with Mount, but it’s unclear whether he’ll remain at Chelsea beyond the summer.
Midfield-needy clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked with the England international, with Rice emerging as a priority target for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta’s side must further evolve next season, and Rice is regarded in north London as crucial to their midfield revolution. However, Arsenal are unlikely to match West Ham’s lofty valuation, especially with several other clubs interested.
Man Utd have long been admirers of the West Ham skipper and are poised to join the race this summer if Arsenal hesitate in negotiations. Newcastle are another side to keep an eye out for even if central midfield perhaps isn’t a priority area of need.
There’s nothing concrete, but Rice is reportedly keen on staying in London and the idea of working with Mikel Arteta and joining international teammates Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal certainly seems to have piqued his interest.
The West Ham skipper’s admiration for the Gunners was clear in his pre-match notes which were displayed in the club program for Arsenal’s visit in April. “[Arsenal] have had a strong season and have now got a real identity to the way they play under Mikel Arteta,” Rice wrote.
“I obviously know a few of their players from England and they are not only top-class on the pitch but good boys off it. But of course those friendships will go out the window when we kick-off today!”
Arsenal have been touted as the favourites to sign the Hammers star this summer, but it’s unlikely that they’ll match West Ham’s current valuation given the other areas they need to address in their squad.