Arsenal’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice gains momentum, with Jamie Carragher suggesting the interest is more than just rumours.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal holds off Declan Rice of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal holds off Declan Rice of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on April 16, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
  • Jamie Carragher suggests Arsenal’s interest in Declan Rice is more than just rumours, hinting at a potential summer move.
  • Declan Rice has turned down multiple contract offers from West Ham and has ambitions to compete at the highest level, possibly with Arsenal.
  • Arsenal’s current position as Premier League leaders could benefit from the addition of Rice, providing a strong midfield presence to support their future title ambitions.

Declan Rice, West Ham’s star midfielder, is reportedly inching closer to a summer move to Arsenal, with pundit Jamie Carragher suggesting the interest is more than just a rumour.

The England international’s impressive performance against Arsenal on Sunday, which would have netted a handsome return with NonGamstopSites.bet online brands, along with asking Martin Odegaard for an autographed shirt, has only added fuel to the speculation, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad for the upcoming season.

Carragher hints at Rice’s Arsenal move

Referee Michael Oliver (L) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur's Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (C) remonstrates with West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Referee Michael Oliver (L) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (C) remonstrates with West Ham United’s English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

While commentating on Arsenal’s recent game against West Ham, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher hinted that the Gunners’ interest in Rice might be more substantial than mere rumours.

As the 24-year-old displayed a strong midfield performance, Carragher was asked about the rumour of the possibility of Rice joining Arteta’s side. The former Liverpool defender responded, “It might be a little bit more than that.”

Rice’s ambitions and contract rejections

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton FC at London Stadium on January 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United reacts during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Everton FC at London Stadium on January 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

It is well-known that Declan Rice has high ambitions for his career, and West Ham manager David Moyes has admitted that the midfielder has turned down multiple contract offers in recent months.

Rice’s desire to compete at the highest level and play in the Champions League could be a significant factor in his potential move to Arsenal, who currently sit four points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League.

Previous hints at Rice’s departure

Referee Michael Oliver (C) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur's Tottenham Hotspur's Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic (R) remonstrates with West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Referee Michael Oliver (C) reacts as Tottenham Hotspur’s Tottenham Hotspur’s Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic (R) remonstrates with West Ham United’s English midfielder Declan Rice during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 19, 2023. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Rice has been linked with a move away from West Ham for some time, with rumours initially suggesting a return to his former club Chelsea.

However, Arsenal have emerged as the more likely destination for the talented midfielder, following his comments during the World Cup in Qatar.

Speaking ahead of the Senegal match in the last-16, Rice said, “You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”

Arsenal’s title race and Rice’s potential impact

England's forward #17 Bukayo Saka (L) celebrates with his teammate midfielder #04 Declan Rice after scoring his team's second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)
England’s forward #17 Bukayo Saka (L) celebrates with his teammate midfielder #04 Declan Rice after scoring his team’s second goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to maintain their advantage over Manchester City.

The addition of Declan Rice to the squad could be a game-changer for the Gunners, providing them with a solid midfield presence to support their title ambitions next season.