West Ham star Declan Rice urged to ‘strike while the iron is hot’ by Paul Merson
West Ham may have sensationally beaten Sevilla in extra time to qualify for the Europa League last eight but that hasn’t stopped persistent transfer rumours.
Irons vice-captain Declan Rice has long been touted with a move away from the London Stadium although fellow Londoners Chelsea seem likely to pull out of the race [Claret and Hugh].
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson has urged the 23-year-old to try and force a move while he’s in top form but admits there aren’t many options for him.
“Declan Rice should strike while the iron’s hot and leave West Ham this summer,” Merson wrote in his Daily Star column.
“I’d be surprised if Declan Rice is playing for West Ham next season. They have completely punched above their weight for months.
“Manchester United would be a good move, but will they get in the Champions League? That’s where Rice wants to play.
“They play Tottenham this weekend and playing Spurs should always be a big game for West Ham but the Europa League game against Sevilla was a bigger one.
West Ham have gone past Spurs, and to be honest I don’t know how Tottenham have allowed that to happen. You just hope West Ham don’t miss out on the Champions League by a point or two, because they will be kicking themselves.
“They will be wondering why they didn’t go out and get another striker in January.”
Bigger incentive
West Ham are already highly motivated to win the Europa League and create some history for the football club but this adds another level altogether.
Champions League qualification via the Premier League is looking less and less likely by the week as Arsenal continue to be in good form with games in hand.
That leaves the Hammers’ only avenue for Champions League football next season being through winning the Europa League.
They were already massively committed to try and do just that but knowing that they might have Rice for another season if they do so will spark even more excitement.
Expect to see the players sprint that little bit faster and give that 1% more on Thursday nights from now on in the hope they can keep their leader at the club for at least one more year.
In other West Ham news, the club’s owner David Gold has reacted to their stunning victory against Sevilla on Thursday.
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