Declan Rice has finally addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding his potential summer move, following strong links to clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United, writes the HammerNews. In recent months, Arsenal had been considered the leading candidates to secure Rice’s services from West Ham. However, the landscape has evolved, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich emerging as serious contenders for the talented West Ham captain’s signature.
West Ham fans have been continuously chanting “one more year” to Rice over the past couple of months. Although supporters are aware that he is likely to depart, the chant is a heartfelt display of their admiration and respect for a player who has flourished remarkably in the claret and blue jersey.
A bidding war involving Manchester United, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich appears to be the ideal scenario for West Ham. The club has publicly stated that they value Declan Rice at a price as high as £120 million, with Arsenal reportedly already presenting an offer of approximately £90 million for the influential West Ham player.
According to a journalist, the West Ham board believes that Manchester United will outmatch Arsenal by meeting their asking price for Rice. Bayern Munich, led by manager Thomas Tuchel, is also extremely keen to secure his signature and is willing to meet West Ham’s valuation.
There have been discussions about Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta planning to personally meet with Rice to persuade him to join the club. Recent reports mentioned a phone conversation between Tuchel and Rice, indicating that the player is receptive to the idea of joining Bayern.
However, amidst all the speculation, Rice’s focus remains on his upcoming significant game for West Ham, which is the European final against Fiorentina next week. The West Ham star has now addressed the summer move talk and acknowledges the discussions surrounding him, but also admits that much of it is beyond his control.
“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.”