Declan Rice has been a hot topic in the transfer market, with several big Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea, showing interest in the West Ham midfielder and now Mark Noble has said he understands the player’s desire to leave.
Mark Noble, former West Ham player and current sporting director, has now weighed in on the situation, stating that he doesn’t begrudge Rice’s ambitions to win trophies and play at the highest level.
Noble acknowledged that Rice has the right to pursue his dreams and hopes that the 24-year-old will continue to perform well, regardless of his future destination.
The former West Ham captain also emphasised that Rice’s aspirations are what make him a top player and that fans shouldn’t hold it against him.
Rice has openly expressed his intentions of playing in the Champions League and competing for top honours in football.
While this might count against Chelsea, with the club currently in ninth place in the Premier League, Arsenal’s title race could make them a more likely destination for Rice and the player is said to have already been sounding players out about a move to north London.
Manchester United are also in the running, with the club destined for a Champions League return next season, but it remains to be seen if they will prioritise signing a deep-lying midfielder.
Rice’s contract with West Ham expires in 18 months, which could put the club in a difficult position. With the player’s huge market value, the Hammers might accept a bid below the £100 million asking price rather than risk losing him for free.
However, Rice is not only West Ham’s star player but also their captain, making his future decision a crucial one for the club.
“We’re West Ham and these players want to go out and play Champions League football – and do you blame them? Dec is no different,” Noble said. “Dec will always be hailed at West Ham as a fantastic player and such a top, top person.
“But I don’t think anyone begrudges him wanting to go and win things. We just hope he’ll keep performing like he has been over the last month or so.
“Wherever Declan ends up, or however much someone pays for him, whether it’s here or anywhere else, he’s worth every penny.
“He’s said openly he loves playing at West Ham, but he has got ambitions as a player to go and play in the Champions League and win trophies.
“I don’t think any West Ham fan can actually have an agenda over that. Do you blame him for having really big ambitions? Of course you don’t. If he didn’t, he probably wouldn’t be as good as he is.”