Arsenal’s interest in Declan Rice grows as West Ham prepares for life without their star midfielder.

• West Ham manager David Moyes admits to preparing for life with and without star midfielder Declan Rice next season.
• Arsenal’s interest in Declan Rice intensifies, with a potential summer move on the horizon.
• Rice’s unwavering focus on the pitch remains, despite increasing likelihood of his departure from West Ham.

 

West Ham United’s manager, David Moyes, has recently admitted that the club is preparing for life with and without their star midfielder Declan Rice next season. This news comes amidst intensifying rumours linking the English international with a potential summer move to Arsenal.

Rice has been in exceptional form lately as West Ham’s fortunes change. A man of the match performance against Arsenal was followed up with goals in crucial wins over KAA Gent and Bournemouth, helping to move the Hammers six points above the Premier League relegation battle and into the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.

However, West Ham seem to be coming to terms with the fact that the 24-year-old’s time at the London Stadium could be nearing an end, with Rice expected to be sold in the summer transfer window. With his contract entering its final two years, the club are said to be prepared to ‘play hardball’ over his transfer fee and an amount around £100m has been consistently touted.

Although Moyes has generally avoided discussing Rice’s future outside of the transfer window, he recently acknowledged the importance of the midfielder to West Ham. When asked about planning for next season, Moyes said, “Yeah, obviously he is such an important player. He would be missed by any club, so any club who didn’t have him would miss him and we certainly would, partly because he is a big part.”

Moyes also expressed his hope that Rice might view West Ham as the best place for his career, and that if no club meets their valuation, Rice could continue playing at the London Stadium. “The club have made that pretty plain, but I hope we can continue to get the best out of Dec,” he added.

However, Rice has been open about his desire to play Champions League football, and his outstanding performances at the World Cup in Qatar further showcased his readiness for the highest level of competition.

Despite the increasing likelihood of his departure from West Ham, Rice’s unwavering focus on the pitch has impressed Moyes: “No question marks can be asked about Declan Rice. He celebrates with the supporters, he talks to them, he is with them, in the dressing room he leads the team.”