West Ham United accused of playing games amid Declan Rice transfer development
West Ham United have been accused of playing games by clubs interested in signing captain Declan Rice this summer, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.
The Hammers are resigned to losing their key man this summer with the England international intent on playing Champions League football next season, and London neighbours Arsenal and Chelsea have constantly been touted as the most interested parties.
According to The Times (28 February), Rice could cost around £80million in the summer transfer window. However, it is now believed that West Ham United are holding for a fee probably surpassing the price Chelsea paid to sign Enzo Fernandez.
And according to Jacobs, speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s substack CaughtOffside column [9 May], West Ham United all but securing their Premier League status for next season, means they can be a little bit more “bullish” when it comes to Rice’s price tag.
He said: “Arsenal are looking for a midfielder and Rice remains one of their top priorities. Rice has spoken glowingly about both Arteta and Arsenal. I am told he still prefers to stay in London, too, which both Arsenal and Chelsea can use to their advantage.
“West Ham are resigned to losing Rice. But now they are practically safe after beating Manchester United, the Hammers can be a bit more bullish. Relegation would have made it tricky to hold out for a £100m+ price.
“Suitors still feel there are games taking place. Moyes has said Rice is worth a British transfer record fee, surpassing the £106m Chelsea paid to Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. But Fernandez had a sky-high release clause. The main thing that helps West Ham is Rice is contracted until the summer of 2025 and there is a one-year option to extend.”
Command higher fee
West Ham United are certainly right to be bullish in their price tag demands for Rice’s services this summer. Certainly, the England international looks set to leave London Stadium and is also on the lookout for a better opportunity at a top club.
However, that doesn’t mean the Hammers should wallow and shirk under the pressure to let him go. He still holds a contract until 2025 and is now rapidly garnering a huge reputation amongst the elite clubs as one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders.
For that reason, West Ham United are well within their right to demand a high fee, because £80m simply won’t cut it given Rice’s stark potential and huge ceiling.
£100-£120m certainly seems reasonable and with the Irons looking to undergo a stark rebuild of their own this summer, they’ll need as much cash as possible if they are to compete both in recruitment and amongst the elite next term.
West Ham United are resigned to losing their star man, but they must ensure they get the most out of the sale before even considering seeing him walk out the London Stadium exit door.