Newcastle move for West Ham United star Declan Rice can’t be ruled out
Arsenal have identified West Ham midfielder Declan Rice as their midfield priority, but a move from Newcastle United can’t be ruled out, according to Ben Jacobs.
The CBS Sport journalist wrote for Caught Offside that along with the Gunners, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and the Magpies could also be in the race. Although the 24-year-old midfielder prefers to stay in London, Jacobs suggests that it won’t be a “deal-breaker”.
David Moyes suggested that it would require a British transfer fee to sign Rice, but suitors are hoping to get him for around £70-80m.
“Arsenal’s midfield priority will be Declan Rice and West Ham are resigned to losing him. David Moyes, as you’d expect, has been quick to argue if Rice leaves it should be for a British-record transfer fee. But suitors are hoping for a fee of £70-80m. This is ultimately because Rice’s contract expires in summer 2024,” wrote Jacobs.
“Chelsea also really want Rice. Manchester United and Newcastle United can’t be ruled out either, although I understand Rice’s preference is to stay in London. That won’t be a deal-breaker, but Arsenal and Chelsea can certainly use it to their advantage.
“Rice also wants Champions League football. Whether or not that means instantly remains to be seen, but Arsenal can clearly use this to their advantage given where they are heading. Rice has also spoken glowingly about Arteta.”
Deal-breaker?
The Hammers are resigned to losing Rice next summer, and there will be no shortage of suitors for the England midfielder.
Rice, who joined the Hammers youth set-up in 2014, has a contract at the London club until 2024. He is the club’s skipper and has shown great commitment and loyalty to West Ham.
He deserves to play for a top club and will leave with the blessing of the fans. But the Irons should look to get the best deal out of him.
Although £70-80m won’t represent a bad deal the market is inflated now. Chelsea signed Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez for £107m, making him the most expensive Premier League signing ever.
West Ham will demand a similar fee for Rice, if not more. David Moyes has already stated Rice will command a fee that will smash the British transfer record [BBC Sport], but whether they can actually get it remains to be seen.
Rice has expressed his desire to play in the Champions League, but it’s not clear where he will join next.