Declan Rice claims Mikel Arteta was the reason he decided to join Arsenal over Chelsea and Manchester City. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
David Moyes has warned Chelsea and Arsenal that signing Declan Rice will be very expensive during the summer transfer window, as the midfielder continues to be linked with a move away from West Ham United.
After giving another brilliant performance against Manchester United, which resulted in a 1-0 victory for the Hammers, Rice continues to draw clubs and remains a top target for Chelsea and Arsenal. And it appears that both clubs will be competing for the 24-year-old’s services during the summer transfer window.
With the England international’s contract with the East Londoners running out, a decision needs to be made next summer. While unconfirmed, the Hammers are said to have the option to extend his stay by another year.
Rice has earlier stated that he wants to compete in the Champions League, and it will be hard for the Hammers to keep the midfielder next season. Arsenal holds an advantage in this case, given that we will not feature in Europe next season.
Following the win over United, Moyes praised Rice’s performance and later warned Chelsea and Arsenal that the midfielder wouldn’t come cheap, (h/t Football.London) saying:
“You’ve seen him play for England, you’ve seen the abilities he uses in recovering the ball and getting around people. He’s great across the ground, very quick. I’m pleased, but not surprised.”
“Yes, that’s why he is probably the best English midfield player around and that is why he is going to be extremely expensive if anybody comes calling.”
Moyes is right that it will be challenging to lure him away from East London. Rice’s stock has increased since he rose to prominence for both club and country. Clearly, he is a player in demand.
Spending huge sums of money has not been our problem, as we previously demonstrated by breaking the British transfer record for Enzo Fernandez and another pricey signing, Mykhaylo Mudryk.
However, given that we failed to qualify for the Champions League and that we also need to balance the books in order to comply with the Financial Fair Play law, spending a large amount of money will not be simple this time.
Therefore, it will remain to be seen how many marginal players may depart the club in order to trim down our overstuffed squad and make way for summer signings. Rice is as good as it can get when it comes to adding Premier League midfielders with the future in mind.
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