Arsenal confident of beating Chelsea and Manchester United in race for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice
Premier League rivals Arsenal are ‘confident’ about beating Chelsea and Manchester United to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice, according to The Times (Subscription Required) [h/t Daily Star].
The Gunners have made the midfielder their top target for the summer of 2023. Mikel Arteta’s team believe they can pip the Blues and the Red Devils in the race for him.
Man United are ‘expected’ to enter the bidding war to acquire the 24-year-old’s services. The England international is also looking to leave the Hammers, with his contract expiring at the end of the 2023/24 season.
David Moyes’ team have failed to agree to new terms with Rice but have the option to extend his current deal by a further year. However, it seems they have resigned themselves to the fact that the midfielder will leave, with the Hammers asking for around £80 million for him.
Arsenal are optimistic about their chances because of the way their campaign has been going. The Gunners are flying high at the moment and are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
On the other hand, the 24-year-old’s boyhood club Chelsea are struggling. Graham Potter’s team have had a rough few weeks. They are in 10th position in the league.
However, Erik ten Hag has managed to turn things around at the Old Trafford side. We are now firmly in the title race after beating Manchester City in the derby in our previous fixture.
But the Red Devils signed Casemiro in the previous transfer window. The Brazil international has cemented his place in the Dutch manager’s starting lineup as a defensive midfielder.
More Manchester United News
- Preston North End boss offers an update on whether Zidane Iqbal will arrive from Manchester United
- Micah Richards fumes at the decision to give Manchester United the goal
- Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez holds no grudges against ten Hag despite not being selected
No disrespect to West Ham but Rice should play for a top side, considering his quality. While they had a few decent seasons under Moyes, the Hammers are in a relegation battle at the moment. However, it remains to be seen whether United will seriously pursue the 24-year-old’s signature.
