Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol shares update on potential bidding war for West Ham’s Declan Rice
Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has revealed that there could be a potential “bidding war” for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool interested in signing him.
It is widely expected that the gifted England international will be on the move away from the London Stadium in the summer, after strong interest from the Premier League’s top clubs in recent years.
And according to The Times [16 January], Premier League leaders Arsenal have made Rice their priority target for the summer transfer window in a potential £80m move.
With Rice keen to play Champions League football in the near future, a move to a bigger Premier League club this summer is almost certainly on the cards.
And Solhekol revealed on Sky Sports [via Transfer Centre , 17 January, 05:49pm] that Rice is expected to have a long list of suitors this summer, with the price for his services set to be in the region of £80m-£100m.
He said: “Lots of clubs are interested in signing him, for instance Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool as well.
“So, there could well be a bidding war for him if West Ham do decide to sell him.
“We know a lot of clubs are looking for a central midfielder. He’s young, he’s the captain of West Ham and a regular starter for England as well. There will be a lot of clubs interested in him.
“He brings a lot to the table but the price is going to be at least £80m, £90m or £100m.
“I think West Ham would be looking for something like £100m for Rice.
“If he doesn’t sign a new contract then there is not much West Ham can do but sell him because that kind of windfall is very difficult for a club like West Ham to turn down.”
Deserves big move
It’s no secret that Rice has big ambitions to achieve during his career, and that may not be at West Ham, unfortunately.
The 24-year-old has proven a sensational and consistent servant for the Hammers since his emergence in 2017, going on to make over 200 appearances for the East London outfit over the last five years.
With the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United looking to offer both Champions League football and assurances for a consistent trophy haul in the future, Rice would be forgiven for desiring a move elsewhere.
Rice is now a fully-fledged England international, one who has excelled at the top level for his county in two major tournaments and continues to shine in a struggling Hammers side. He deserves his big move.
He’s a player whose talents and qualities are better served to play Champions League-level football, and that won’t be at the Hammers next year. However, the club are right to demand such lofty sums, and £80m-£100m for his services are very reasonable.