Declan Rice has reportedly been linked with a summer move away from West Ham United, with Arsenal keen on signing him.
Declan Rice has been linked with clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal and Bayern Munich. A report from the German publication RAN claims that the 24-year-old’s move to Arsenal is a done deal, but Bayern Munich still retain some hope.
Apparently, Thomas Tuchel visited Declan Rice in London, and Bayern Munich are ready to roll out the red carpet for him by paying €100 million. However, it seems that the player’s move to Arsenal is quite advanced, and it might be too late for the German club to swoop in.
Arsenal are in need of midfield reinforcements, and Rice could be the ideal partner for Thomas Partey next season. The Gunners are set to lose Granit Xhaka in the summer transfer window and need a top-class replacement.
The England international helped West Ham win the UEFA Europa Conference league, and he wants to play for a club in the UEFA Champions League. Arsenal have had an impressive campaign despite missing out on the league title. They have returned to the Champions League as well and Rice will be tempted to play for the next season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has done well to nurture talented young players, helping players like Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka establish themselves as key players for the club. He could enable Rice fulfil his world-class potential as well. The 24-year-old is already one of the best midfielders in the league and has the potential to improve further with coaching and experience.
West Ham would ideally want to hold on to him for as long as possible. But he is in the final year of his contract and has refused to sign a new deal. The Hammers are powerless to stop him from leaving. They will not want to lose him as a free agent next year. So it makes sense for them to cash in on him this summer.
Rice has now got a taste of winning trophies, and he will want to do it more often. Arsenal are certainly more capable of doing that compares to West Ham. So a move to the north London club would be ideal for him.
