West Ham could make ‘one more push’ to keep Declan Rice at London Stadium
West Ham United could make one last push to try and keep midfielder Declan Rice at the London Stadium beyond this season, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 23-year-old England international has rejected past proposals from the Hammers, especially a reported eight-year-deal worth £83million which was offered back in the summer [Sky Sports, 12 May]
Following another successful individual campaign despite the club’s struggles in the Premier League, the rumours regarding the player’s future aren’t going away with both London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea both reportedly [5 January] interested in bringing Rice across the capital at the end of the season, with the England star willing to stay in London.
If that is indeed the case, the Hammers certainly won’t give up their attempts to keep him. And the transfer insider Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport [7 January] says the club have not given up hope.
He said: “From a West Ham point of view, they don’t totally accept that he’s definitely going. There’s still a chance they have one more push with one more big contract. I personally don’t think it’ll make any difference and he’ll still go, but there are still conversations to be had.”
Highly Unlikely
It’s no secret that Rice has big ambitions to achieve during his career, and that may not be at West Ham, unfortunately.
With Arsenal and Chelsea offering bigger resources and chances to win trophies in the future, it is increasingly unlikely that the Hammers’ attempts to keep the 23-year-old star will prove successful.
Also, the player certainly won’t be too proud of the club’s current league position also. This summer, after a tremendous campaign last term, West Ham held lofty ambitions which have not been achieved so far.
Though, they still remain in the hunt for the FA Cup and the UEFA Europa Conference League which Rice will be dreaming of. But the way David Moyes’ men have been performing so far, it remains a pipe dream.
There’s no doubt, Rice will continue to play at a high level giving his all for the remaining months of the season, but his immediate future in East London really looks bleak.
For the betterment of his career, a move to a bigger club who are consistently playing on the grandest club stage in the UEFA Champions League should be the next step for Rice to develop even further and fulfil the huge potential we know he possesses.