West Ham United transfer news as Premier League scout watches Declan Rice v Arsenal
Declan Rice was watched by scouts of an unnamed top-four Premier League club in the West Ham draw with Arsenal on Sunday, as reported by the Daily Mail.
It was very much a captain’s performance from Rice who led by example for David Moyes’ side as they recovered from 0-2 to secure a valuable point.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of the England international who provided a timely reminder of his quality and the high price that will be required to prise him away from the London Stadium, this summer.
In the report from Daniel Matthews, he accurately reflected on the situation around the 24-year-old.
“The league leaders wanted Rice before this damaging trip across London”, he stated.
“Before Thomas Partey had his worst game all season and Granit Xhaka struggled for influence, too. But this was nevertheless a timely reminder of why the England international will come at a hefty price.
“That won’t be much comfort to Mikel Arteta on Monday morning. Nor will the news that Sportsmail understands, a scout from another top-four side was watching from the stands.
Quality in demand
Obviously, Arsenal are already at the table in terms of serious interest in Rice.
Manchester City will always be interested in top players as well as having a bottomless pit of money to buy them whilst, for Manchester United and Newcastle United, a move for the influential midfielder would be a statement of intent.
If nothing else, this update of further activity around the Hammers’ skipper makes things a bit more interesting.
In the last few weeks of the season, Rice will be striving to continue to lead by example. He will be determined to do everything in his power to prevent relegation in what appears to be his farewell season.
By continuing from where he left off against Arsenal, the powerful midfielder will catch the eye of the top clubs who will be more than aware of Arteta’s intent to bring the player to north London.
West Ham stands to gain in terms of the fee they can command to sell their greatest asset but that can only be maintained if they secure their Premier League survival.
In other West Ham news, Early team news v Gent: Aguerd update shared – Injury Expert