West Ham set mammoth asking price for Arsenal target Rice as his ‘most likely destination’ is revealed
According to reports, West Ham United have set a huge asking price for Declan Rice amid interest from the likes of Arsenal and Man Utd.
The Hammers midfielder has come on leaps and bounds over the past couple of seasons as he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old shone for West Ham as they qualified for Europe in back-to-back campaigns. He has been questioned at times this term but has come into his own in recent weeks as David Moyes’ side have gradually moved away from the relegation zone.
Rice has been consistently linked with moves elsewhere over the past few years. In December, he openly admitted that he is keen to compete in the Champions League.
“100 per cent I want to play in the Champions League,” Rice admitted.
“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.
“I see my friends here, who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
“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.”
The former Chelsea academy product is often linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge, but Arsenal have reportedly made him their top midfield target ahead of this summer’s window.
Sky Sports are reporting that ‘Rice will have two years left on his contract this summer but West Ham have the option of extending it by another year’.
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West Ham ‘will allow’ him to leave this summer but given his contract situation, they are able to demand a significant fee for their prized asset. They claim he will be let go ‘if they receive an offer worth £120m from a Champions League club’. The report adds.
‘West Ham would also accept £100m plus a player for the midfielder, with the Hammers already receiving enquiries about him.
‘His most likely destination at the moment is Arsenal while Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool have also shown an interest in the England international.
‘West Ham will only sell if the money is right and all proceeds from any potential sale would go towards strengthening the squad in the summer.
‘Out of respect for Rice and in recognition of his performances during six seasons in the first team, West Ham have promised they will not stand in the way of his dream of playing in the Champions League if a suitable offer is made.
‘Rice is believed to be earning about £70,000 a week and he would be expected to earn at least three times as much if he moves this summer.’
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