Pep Guardiola gushes over West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City Premier League clash
Pep Guardiola has waxed lyrical over Declan Rice ahead of Manchester City’s clash against West Ham on Wednesday, 3 May.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the City manager has been a long-term admirer of the 24-year-old who appears set to leave this summer.
There are a number of clubs in the race to sign him but the Hammers are still to decide on the selling price.
Romano tweeted, ” ‘He’s an exceptional player’, Guardiola says when asked about Declan Rice.
“Pep has always appreciated Rice as top midfielder but the race this summer will include many top clubs — price tag still not clear, up to West Ham.”
Drive up the price
This is an opportune time for West Ham to drive up the price for their costliest assets of all time.
Never before have they had a player who strengthens every team in Europe and it’s a good position to be in,
Rice has been long linked with the exit door at the London Stadium and this summer appears to be the window in which he finally leaves the club.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and even Real Madrid’s names have been thrown into the mix with all sides showing some interest in signing him.
Thus far, it appears that the Gunners are the side in the lead as they desperately need a number six to play in place of Thomas Partey.
The Hammers want to use Enzo Fernandez’s valuation as a benchmark, seeing how much Chelsea paid for him so they may push Rice’s price close to nine figures.