Simon Jordan backs Manchester United to land Declan Rice over Arsenal

Simon Jordan, while speaking to TalkSport (h/t The Express) backs Manchester United to land West Ham midfielder and captain Declan Rice over Arsenal.

After losing out on Mykhailo Mydryk to Chelsea, there were claims that the Gunners are now looking to spend their funds with Rice their primary target.

West Ham are in terrible form this season and currently sits in the relegation zone. It would not take a smart man to acknowledge that Rice might be looking for a move out come the summer transfer window.

Even in a bad squad, he comes out as a shining light and there is no doubt that there would be plenty of suitors to show interest in the player.

Currently, bar Manchester City, Rice has the potential to straightaway enter the midfield for any of the top sides and would provide an instant quality upgrade.

Jordan believes that if United continue their fine form come the end of the season and probably win a trophy in the process, they could potentially make a move for Rice as their quarterback in the midfield.

“I’ve got a sneaky suspicion, if Manchester United keeps going the way they are – win a cup, even win the league title, that he could end up occupying the quarterback role at Manchester United.’

The quarterback position that is being referred to was something that Erik ten Hag wanted Frenkie de Jong to occupy this summer after chasing the midfielder endlessly all summer.

However, Rice could provide an astute alternative to De Jong and has the added advantage of Premier League experience so would not require much time to acclimatise to the new team.

With his contract expiring in June 2024 (Transfermarkt) although the Hammers have the option of extending it by another year, it seems highly unlikely that they would do so to create bad blood with a player who has given it all for the club and is now simply too good to be at a club of their level.

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While everyone’s attention is on the Jude Bellingham decision in the summer transfer window, eyes should also be kept on his compatriot and national team midfield partner Rice, who could be set for a big switch himself.