West Ham United are actively considering Matteo Guendouzi as a potential replacement for Declan Rice, according to Roshane Thomas speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast. With Rice’s departure to Arsenal, the Hammers are in need of a suitable replacement, and Guendouzi, a former Arsenal player, has emerged as a potential option.
Thomas discussed West Ham’s plan to fill the void left by Rice, acknowledging the financial benefits of the deal for the club. “Financially it’s an amazing deal for West Ham, and the club deserve it,” Thomas said, praising the majority shareholder David Sullivan for securing a favorable transfer fee. He also acknowledged the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Rice, highlighting Guendouzi, the Marseille midfielder, and Joao Palhinha, the Fulham midfielder, as potential options.
Guendouzi’s talent has always been evident, but during his previous stint in England, he struggled to mature into a consistent performer. This led to Arsenal selling him for a modest fee of £10 million. Consistency and temperament were identified as areas where he needed improvement. However, in the search for a player of Rice’s caliber, these attributes are crucial, emphasizing the importance of finding a player who possesses a calm head and consistent performances.
West Ham will undoubtedly carefully consider their options as they aim to fill the void left by Rice’s departure. Finding a player who can bring stability and quality to the midfield will be a priority for the club, and Guendouzi’s potential suitability as a replacement makes him an intriguing candidate.