Declan Rice Transfer News & Odds

West Ham’s Declan Rice has been a big source of transfer gossip for the past two summers, but this year it looks as if the big move may finally come for the midfielder as following the Hammers Europa Conference League final win against Fiorentina, West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan revealed to Talksport:

"I think it has to be (Rice's final game). We promised him he could go...He set his heart on going and in due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement."

Sullivan further added "It is not something we wanted to happen. We offered him £200,000 a week 18 months ago and he turned it down. You can't keep a player who doesn't want to be there."

One of the most likely destinations for Rice this summer may not be too far from his current club. Arsenal have expressed interest in Rice in a number of transfer windows but after their current season, The Gunners have become a very attractive destination.

Arsenal’s January acquisition of Chelsea’s Jorginho didn’t quite go to plan, with the Italian playing in the centre of the midfield, but looking to leave London this summer. This would leave a perfect place for Rice to slip into.

However, Rice could bring the added bonus of goals to his defensive midfield game. In 2022/23 Rice scored five goals to Jorginho’s three goals for the season, these all coming in the first half of the season while at Chelsea, making Rice not only a desirable option but also a likely one.

Rice could also be lined up for a move to treble-winning Manchester City. Guardiola’s side have expressed interest in Rice this summer but have also expressed concerns over his wage demands.

Man City’s midfield have long been a mystery, with centre-back John Stones taking up a midfield position in their Final against Inter Milan. Though he impressed, City may benefit from a traditional defensive midfielder like Rice.

With their pedigree and their trophy cabinet in the last few years, Man City seem like the obvious destination for anyone they’re interested in.

Rice has always been linked with a move back to his boyhood club, especially with his ‘bromance’ with current Chelsea player and best friend Mason Mount. This pairing is a mainstay in the transfer rumour mill each window, but Todd Boehly’s willingness to spend has made this an even bigger possibility.

With the loss of Jorginho in January, and the somewhat impending loss of Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer, Rice could fit right into Chelsea’s midfield. Enzo Fernandez’s high price and long contract means he’ll be a fixture in the Chelsea midfield for some time to come, but the Argentine could benefit from a more defensive player alongside him as he gets used to the Premier League.

If Chelsea manages to offload enough players that buying Rice wouldn’t upset the FFP rules, a move to Stamford Bridge could be one of the most likely destinations for Rice this summer.

Another club usually linked with Rice each transfer window is Manchester United. The Red Devils and their manager Erik Ten Hag seem set on Rice being the future of their midfield as they look to compete for the Premier League next season.

Though Rice has admitted that Old Trafford is one of his favourite stadiums to play, United do face a hard battle to bring Rice to Manchester with other Premier League clubs as a likelier option.

Rice could be a replacement for the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay or cover for Casemiro, as the 24-year-old is known for his defensive capabilities as well as his abilities going forward, as seen with his five goals this season.

However, Rice could just stay where he’s been for the past six years. West Ham have expressed their interest in keeping Rice for as long as possible. Rice cemented himself as a West Ham legend when he lifted the Europa Conference League as Hammers captain.

West Ham allegedly offered Rice £200,000 a week to keep Rice in East London, and though it is looking increasingly likely that he will move away, that kind of contract could keep him interested.

In 204 Premier League appearances for West Ham, Rice has scored ten goals and has worn the captain’s armband for a year, meaning that the Brit staying put could be a likely outcome, especially with his £100 million price tag.

A move outside of the Premier League could also be on the cards for Rice as German giants Bayern Munich are allegedly interested in signing the Brit. In fact, the only thing that may stop this move is the price tag.

West Ham have priced Rice at a whopping £100 million, which may deter a number of suitors. Liverpool look to be closing in on Bayern’s midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and Thomas Muller keeps getting older, so Munich definitely need to either get Rice or another midfielder to fill the gap.

Bayern Munich would be a desirable option for Rice if he wanted to continue playing European football and competing for trophies, though the likeliness does depend on the price tag.

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