Frank McAvennie predicts Declan Rice to remain at West Ham next season
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie is adamant that Declan Rice will remain at West Ham for the 2021/22 campaign despite interest from Champions League winners Chelsea.
The Blues lifted the trophy for the second time last Saturday after a 1-0 win over Premier League rivals Manchester City, and they have been consistently linked with a move for Rice in recent years.
The 22-year-old came through the west London side’s youth academy before being released in 2015 and switching to West Ham, where he has blossomed into a fully-fledged England international.
Rice is known to have strong ties to Chelsea, particularly with his best friend Mason Mount playing a key role in their success, but McAvennie predicts the Irons midfielder to stay at the London Stadium for the next season at least, despite watching Mount being crowned a European champion.
“I don’t know where he’s going to play for Chelsea,” he told West Ham Zone. “In central defence [Antonio] Rudiger has progressed and he had a really good game against Manchester City.
“I’ve got a feeling Declan will stay, I think he’s enjoying being the captain.
“He’s grown into a West Ham player, he’s grown into the position and I think he’ll stay.
“I definitely think he’ll stay this year.”
Rice will have no doubt been looking on in envy as his close friend lofted the Champions League trophy in the air last week, but he can’t have any regrets.
West Ham helped to restore his shattered confidence after he was dumped by the Blues and he has repaid the club’s faith handsomely, developing into one of the most important players at the club.
He is our prized asset and it would take a monumental offer to test the board’s resolve.
We can’t see Rice leaving this year, especially with a Europa League campaign coming up.
After that? Who knows, and we don’t particularly want to think about that.
He’s ours to keep for now, and that’s all that matters.
In other West Ham news, Jose Mourinho makes key decision as Irons eye summer swoop for 19-year-old history-maker.
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