Declan Rice is one of the most sought-after players in the transfer market, as the West Ham United midfielder has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Rice’s Profile
Rice is a 24-year-old defensive midfielder who can also play as a centre-back. He is the captain of West Ham and a regular for the England national team. He has been praised for his athleticism, tackling, ball carrying and leadership skills.
Rice started his career at Chelsea’s academy, but was released at the age of 14. He then joined West Ham’s academy and made his senior debut in 2017. He has since made over 200 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 10 goals.
Rice has also represented both Ireland and England at international level. He was eligible for both countries through his grandparents and played for Ireland’s youth and senior teams before switching his allegiance to England in 2019. He has won 42 caps for England and scored three goals.
Transfer Rumours
Rice has been linked with a move away from West Ham for several months, as he is keen to play at a higher level and compete in the Champions League. He has one year left on his contract, with an option of an extra year, but he has refused to sign an extension.
Arsenal have made Rice their top target and have reportedly made an opening bid of £80 million plus add-ons for him. However, West Ham have rejected the offer and are holding out for £100 million including add-ons.
West Ham are also expecting Manchester City to enter the bidding for Rice, as Pep Guardiola is a fan of the player and has spoken to him before. City are likely to offer more money than Arsenal and could tempt Rice with their trophy-winning record.
Chelsea are also interested in re-signing Rice, who is a boyhood fan of the club. However, they have not made a formal approach yet and are prioritising other targets, such as Erling Haaland and Achraf Hakimi.
Other clubs that have been linked with Rice include Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Newcastle United. However, Bayern have pulled out of the race, while United and Newcastle are unlikely to meet West Ham’s valuation.
Future Prospects
Rice is expected to leave West Ham this summer, as he wants to fulfil his ambitions of playing at the highest level. He has a good relationship with West Ham’s owners and fans, but he feels he has outgrown the club.
Rice will have to weigh up his options carefully and decide which club suits him best. He will also have to consider his role in the team, his chances of winning trophies and his personal terms.
Rice is currently focused on playing for England at Euro 2024, where he is a key member of Gareth Southgate’s squad. He will hope to impress potential suitors with his performances and help England win their first major trophy since 1966.
Facts and Trivia
Rice was born on 14 January 1999 in London, England.
Rice wears shirt number 41 for West Ham United.
Rice started playing football at the age of 5.
Rice holds both Republic of Ireland and England nationality.
Rice was the first player to play for both countries since Jack Reynolds in the 1890s.
Rice has been best friends with fellow England international Mason Mount since childhood.
Rice was named Republic of Ireland U17 player of the year in 2017.
Rice was named on the shortlist for PFA Young Player of The Year award in 2019.
Rice was in the Premier League’s top five players for both tackles and interceptions in 2020-21 season.
Rice played in all of England’s seven games in Euro 2020 where they lost in the final to Italy.