Declan Rice speaks out as the West Ham star finally opens up on summer move talk after links to the likes of Arsenal and Man United.
For the past few months Arsenal were said to be clear frontrunners to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.
But Manchester United and Bayern Munich have since emerged as serious contenders for the much-loved West Ham captain’s signature.
Hammers fans have been incessantly signing ”one more year” to Rice for the last couple of months.
But fans know he is leaving and it is sung merely to show their appreciation and respect for a player who has blossomed magnificently in the claret and blue.
Rice move speculation reaches fever pitch as Arsenal, Bayern and Man United take centre stage
For West Ham, a bidding war is clearly the ideal scenario. And it looks like that is what is about to play out thanks to the interest from Man United, Arsenal and Bayern.
West Ham have publicly stated they value Rice at as much as £120m. Arsenal are said to have already floated an offer of around £90m for the Hammers talisman.
Last week a journalist claimed the West Ham board believe Manchester United will blow Arsenal away by meeting their Rice asking price.
And Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is so keen to sign him, Bayern are also willing to meet West Ham’s valuation.
There is talk Gunners boss Mikel Arteta plans to meet with Rice personally to persuade him to join Arsenal.
Declan Rice speaks out as West Ham star finally opens up on summer move talk after links to the likes of Arsenal and Man United
Yesterday it was reported that Tuchel and Rice had “spoken on the phone” and Rice is “open” to joining Bayern.
But where is Rice’s head at right now? Especially given his last game for West Ham is quite simply his biggest – the European final against Fiorentina next week.
Now Rice has spoken out as the West Ham star finally opens up on summer move talk after links to the likes of Arsenal and Man United.
He says he is well aware of all the talk. And he admits much of it is out of his control.
But Arsenal and Man United fans will be kept waiting because Rice has made a vow to West Ham fans.
‘I can’t help it’
“I’ve not really focused on any of that, to be honest,” Rice said – as quoted by Sky Sports – when asked about a summer move.
“My main focus this season, from the World Cup onwards, has been getting us out of a relegation battle and, of course, having one eye on winning this trophy.
“Everything else is just noise and speculation. Obviously, I can’t help that, it comes with playing. But my main focus is playing for West Ham and winning this final.
“My heart’s set on that, doing it for the club, my family, for the fans and that’s my only focus. I want to make them all very happy and my focus is on doing that.”
The likes of Arsenal and Man United won’t have to wait long to find out Rice’s preference should they all hit West Ham’s asking price.
Because the transfer window opens for domestic deals on June 14th – one week after the Europa Conference League final.
