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West Ham's Declan Rice remains of interest to Arsenal despite Moises Caicedo bid - Dharmesh Sheth
Arsenal still hold an interest in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, despite the Gunners’ current pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
The Hammers superstar has long been tipped to leave in the summer transfer window, with The Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg [22 January] suggesting that league leaders Arsenal are leading the race for the 24-year-old ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in a potential £80m deal.
West Ham are reluctant to see Rice leave during the January window, which has led to the Gunners chasing other alternatives and placing a bid [Fabrizio Romano, 27 January] for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Caicedo.
With Arsenal’s interest cooling in recent days, Sheth took to his personal Twitter account [27 January] to provide an update as to whether the Premier League leaders still hold an interest in West Ham’s star man.
He said: “Told Arsenal remain interested in Rice for the summer – regardless of the outcome of their pursuit of Moises Caicedo.”
Farewell
It does look like this campaign could be Rice’s farewell one as a West Ham United player, and he’d certainly be a huge loss for the Hammers faithful and a huge gain for the Arsenal fans.
The England international has become one of Europe’s best and most coveted midfielders over the past 18 months, and his game could well be taken up a level under the progressive stewardship of Mikel Arteta.
With Arteta building an exciting squad over at the Emirate Stadium, Rice can be forgiven for wanting to jump ship as it could be the next perfect step in his bright-looking career.
Arsenal are expected to be playing Champions League football next season, in which the 24-year-old has previously admitted it is his dream to play in, and the Gunners are well versed to offer Rice the opportunity and desire he craves.
It is a shame they are going for both Rice and Caicedo because the Ecuadorian midfielder could have been an ideal and perfect replacement for Rice at the London Stadium in another world.