Aheed Abrar
West Ham United expect Manchester United to pip Arsenal in Declan Rice race
Premier League rivals West Ham United expect Manchester United to pip Arsenal in the race for Declan Rice, according to the Daily Mail (h/t Metro).
The England international is anticipated to part ways with the Hammers in the upcoming transfer window. Playing Champions League football is one of his aspirations.
But the Irons have no intention of letting the 24-year-old go for cheap. The midfielder still has two years left on his current deal at the London Stadium side. As a result, the East London club are looking to get more than £100 million.
However, as things stand, the Gunners are offering £92 million with add-ons. But West Ham want a straightforward sum and are confident that the Old Trafford side will be able to afford it.
Rice made his way through the youth ranks at the Hammers before establishing himself in the first team. Now, the 24-year-old is the captain of the Irons and is an established player for the Three Lions as well.
Arsenal gave Manchester City a run for their money in the title race. But in the end, the North London side slipped up. Mikel Arteta’s team have counted on Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park for most of the season. But the Swiss national is expected to sign for Bayer Leverkusen next summer.
As for United, we signed Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer. The Brazil international’s addition to the squad has brought much-needed quality to our engine room.
Erik ten Hag has trusted the 31-year-old in the number six position. The midfield enforcer has contributed on both ends of the pitch for the Red Devils in the current campaign.
With Casemiro in our ranks, it does not seem necessary to bring someone like Rice in just yet. The Brazilian still has a few more years to give at the top level. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether the Old Trafford side will enter the bidding for Rice in the coming months.
