West Ham United transfer news: Stuart Pearce drops ‘absolutely incredible’ Declan Rice verdict amid Arsenal vs Man City race
Stuart Pearce believes it would be “difficult” for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice to say no to a move to Manchester City.
The pundit added that it would be a huge “statement of intent” from the Manchester outfit if they did manage to sign Rice.
According to talkSPORT, West Ham want Arsenal to make a third bid for Rice after having two bids rejected, but the player is nearing a move to Manchester City, as per Gianluca Di Marzio (22 June).
“The one thing he has done is that he has conducted himself in such a brilliant manner over this couple of years,” Pearce told Sky Sports.
“He’s driven the team from the front, he’s captained the team when Mark Noble has not been there. He’s been absolutely incredible, so whatever decision he makes, I hope it’s the right one for him.
“I think if Manchester City come knocking, it’s a difficult one to turn down. I think that statement of intent, if it is Manchester City, to the rest of the league, will almost blow a few of them away straight away before we start.”
Huge decision
Rice has already made one huge decision in his career when he chose to represent England at international level instead of the Republic of Ireland, but now he has a massive decision to make on his club future.
He clearly has no shortage of suitors, and is looking increasingly likely of leaving his beloved West Ham this summer.
But his final destination remains up in the air, with Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester City seemingly locked in a battle for his services.
The two clubs only just went head-to-head on the pitch for the league title, but now they are going head-to-head off the pitch in the summer transfer market.
The Hammers will want the best deal possible for the club, but they should also be giving a lot of consideration to Rice’s thoughts, with the player giving his all for the East London outfit for several years now.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made an approach to sign one 16-goal striker this summer.