Carlo Ancelotti big fan of West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice
Carlo Ancelotti is a “big fan” of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and Real Madrid could make a move for the midfielder next summer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Sky Italia journalist said to soccernews.nl (26 January) that Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea could also be interested in signing the 24-year-old.
The Hammers skipper has stated his desire to play for a Champions League club, and there is a high chance that he could leave West Ham in the summer.
Ancelotti, who has won three Champions League titles in his career as a manager, is one of the most decorated managers in world football, and it doesn’t come as a surprise that he likes Rice.
“When Arsenal and Manchester United watch a player, it is always a possibility that Chelsea will intervene,” said Di Marzio to soccernews.nl.
“They may not be concrete yet, but that can change just like that. Chelsea is like a ghost that follows every footballer and can appear just like that. So it just depends on what the strategy of the interested clubs is.”
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“But I think Manchester United and Arsenal would also be good destinations for him. And maybe we can even add Real Madrid to that list. Carlo Ancelotti is a big fan of his qualities. So you should never forget to mention Real Madrid, for the simple reason that Carlo Ancelotti likes Declan Rice.”
Dream move?
Irrespective of what happens this season, it is quite clear that the present campaign is going to be the final one for Rice at the London Stadium.
He has always played with pride and passion for the club, and is the epitome of consistency in the last two years.
David Moyes has done a terrific job for the club, but Rice wants to play in the Champions League. He deserves to play for a big club, and the club should allow him to pick the best option.
While a move to top Premier League clubs will definitely appeal to Rice, he probably won’t turn it down if Real Madrid come calling.
That’s because it’s Real Madrid! The lure of playing for Madrid is a dream for any player in the world, and Rice should grab the opportunity if it arrives to him.
Moreover, playing under a world-class manager like Ancelotti will be something he shouldn’t let go of. He will get to learn a lot from the Italian. It will be a dream move for him, but let’s not speculate too much at the moment.