Declan Rice to Arsenal: ‘More than likely’ destination named, £100m bid claim, West Ham future verdict

Like the advent of long evenings or the sight of verdant leaves returning to the trees, you can generally track the coming of summer by how fervent the speculation surrounding Declan Rice’s future at West Ham is. The midfielder is reminisce of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, or a bug stuck in resin - constantly in a state of apparent struggle and perpetual motion, but never really going anywhere. He is a Hammer, and a Hammer he has remained in spite of several seasons’ worth of chatter linking him with high-profile, big money transfers.

But this year could be different. No, really. Rice’s current contract in East London expires in 2024, and West Ham now face the age-old dilemma over whether they should stick or twist. Choose incorrectly and they could lose one of the finest young midfielders in world football for a pittance. Or worse, for free.

There is perhaps also a lingering feeling that Rice has now adequately proven his loyalty and paid his dues. After West Ham’s sublime campaign last year, there came a point at which it felt as if David Moyes’ squad could possibly have made a sustained effort to gatecrash the hegemony of the traditional top six. Had they consolidated their European status this term, maybe the need for a transfer would have been negated entirely. Conversely, had the Irons plummeted like, well, cartoon anvils without their talisman, who can say if, and how severely, goodwill towards Rice would have soured?

Of course, now the England international has been left facing the worse of both worlds, so to speak. West Ham have been left glumly fighting a relegation battle this season, and few could argue that Rice deserves to go and pursue bigger and better things elsewhere. But where exactly could he end up? We’ve taken a look at some of the likely destinations, as well as what the press and pundits have had to say about his future, below.

Arsenal

Were this to happen, it would represent the dictionary definition of a mutually beneficial agreement; just as much as Rice needs a move to one of the best clubs in the country to further his career and compete for silverware, Arsenal need midfield reinforcements if they are to ensure that this season’s title charge does not go down as an unexpected one-off.

Certainly, the Gunners appear to be the most prominent of the sides chasing the 24-year-old. Countless reports have linked Mikel Arteta’s men with Rice in recent times, and there seems to be a growing feeling that their admiration is reciprocated.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT over the weekend, transfer insider Pete O’Rourke said: “I’m sure if he does decide to leave West Ham in the summer, Arsenal will be right up there among his top choices, but I don’t think just because of how he reacted with [Martin] Ødegaard and [Mikel] Arteta ensures that he will be going to Arsenal. But I think Arsenal will be among a number of clubs trying to sign the midfielder if he does decide to leave West Ham.”

The interaction with Ødegaard that O’Rourke alludes to came in the aftermath of the recent 2-2 draw between Arsenal and West Ham, with Rice photographed trading shirts with the Norwegian in the tunnel of the London Stadium. In an of itself, that indicates little, but it is worth emphasising that the Hammers captain does have friends in the Emirates dressing room, and has openly expressed his desire to play Champions League football - something that the Gunners could now offer him.

Manchester United

Rarely does a top Premier League player embark on a transfer saga without Manchester United being involved in the conversation surrounding their future in some capacity. The Red Devils, like Arsenal, will feel as if they require some additional strength in the middle of the park - especially if reported Newcastle United target Scott McTominay leaves the club in the coming months.

United have previous with Rice too. Reports have claimed that they submitted a £100 million bid for the midfielder last summer, only to be flatly rejected by West Ham. According to Football Insider, however, as recently as February, they were still hopeful that they would be able to convince the Irons skipper to move to Old Trafford at the end of this season. The online publication also adds that Rice is ‘dead set’ on an exit.

But while many affiliated with United would likely be pleased to see him in the famous red jersey, one man who might not be is Roy Keane. Speaking about Rice last month, the outspoken Irishman said: “I don’t think Rice has been great this season. I really don’t. He’s not really kicked on. For all the talk about him and the good PR coming out of West Ham, about how much money he is worth, I think he needs to do a lot more. Doesn’t get enough goals, doesn’t get enough assists…”

Keane’s former teammate Gary Neville has also raised questions over whether Rice is worth a nine-digit transfer fee. He said: “I want him to have a great career and I think he’s a brilliant lad, but I agree with some of Roy’s points that I think there’s a lot of growth, and a lot for Declan to do to get up to the levels of Casemiro, Rodri, and players at the top of the game in those positions.

“But for me, I wouldn’t be spending £110m or £120m on Rice if I was Manchester United this summer. I would spend £50m-£60m on Declan Rice, but I wouldn’t spend the figures being reported.”

West Ham

Look, I know we said that this year could be different, but what if it’s not? Rice is expected to leave West Ham, granted, but the Hammers are likely to demand a small fortune for his signature, and given that he does still have a year left on his current contract, they are under absolutely no obligation to sell.

Depending on who you believe, Rice could be permitted to leave for anywhere between £75 million and upwards of £100 million. (The Athletic report the former, his own manager insists upon the latter.) Meanwhile, Garth Crooks claimed over the weekend that ‘Declan Rice has to be worth £80m of anyone’s money’. Then again, he also had him on the left of a midfield four in his BBC Sport team of the week, so what does he know?

Regardless, in the event of Rice leaving West Ham this summer, he won’t come cheap. And that gets you to thinking - what if the Irons dig their heels in? Nobody is going to be held to ransom over a player who will be available on a free transfer this time next year, and any club pursuing Rice will no doubt have other alternative targets in mind too. Arsenal, for instance, are known to admire Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

And in the opinion of Sky Sports pundit Neville, another season at the London Stadium is most certainly on the cards for the England international. When asked during a Twitter Q&A where he personally believes Rice’s future lies, he said: ‘Stay West Ham more than likely. However if he leaves Arsenal seem favourites!’

The 3 Added Minutes Verdict

At this point, it feels more probable than not that Declan Rice will leave West Ham during the upcoming summer transfer window. If he does, then it also feels more likely than not that his next destination will be Arsenal. Given the wants of the player and the needs of the club, there is nothing to suggest that a move to North London wouldn’t be anything but a success.

There are, of course, complicating factors. If West Ham can find a way of convincing Rice to stay, they probably will. Even if they don’t, they will certainly charge a premium for their best player. The Gunners will not get an uncontested run at the midfielder either. Manchester United are seemingly keen, while various other reports have hinted at interest from the likes of Chelsea and Newcastle United.

Really though, if Arsenal have the money to spend and the itch to spend it, then this feels as if it is their deal to fumble at the present moment in time.