Declan Rice transfer news updates, reports and rumours with Arsenal, Man United chasing West Ham captain

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Declan Rice will be a wanted man in the summer as both Arsenal and Manchester United look to sign the midfielder.

The West Ham captain is currently looking to keep his side in the Premier League while also fighting for the Europa Conference League trophy.

Rice is a vital part of the West Ham setup, having played every single minute in the Premier League so far. He also has become an integral figure in Gareth Southgate’s England lineup, scoring in the last international break against Italy.

The midfielder seems to be ready to fight for a league title next season, but which club will secure his signature?

Declan Rice to Arsenal and Man United: Latest news, rumours

Despite links to Chelsea in previous seasons due to his connection with the club, Arsenal have emerged as favourites to sign Rice. 

According to Football Insider, Rice has no intention to remain at West Ham but would prefer to stay in London next season. Chelsea may opt to let Rice go to a rival after signing Enzo Fernandez in January, but the same cannot be said for Man United.

Reports are suggesting that Rice is now United’s main transfer target after West Ham beat the Red Devils 1-0 at London Stadium. Erik ten Hag is looking for a midfielder to partner Casemiro so they can push for a league title next season.

Rice is said to be a priority signing for Arsenal after strengthening in both the defensive and attacking departments over the past two transfer windows. Newcastle have also reportedly been looking at the England international in recent weeks as they look to invest further in the playing staff.

How much would Declan Rice cost?

The valuation of young English players in the Premier League has been high over the last few windows. Jack Grealish moved to Man City for £100 million in 2021, Ben White moved to the Gunners for £50m, and Morgan Gibbs-White cost Nottingham Forest £42.5m.

West Ham manager David Moyes said he expects Rice to break the British transfer record whenever he leaves the Hammers. The club will allow him to leave for £120m if they receive an offer from a Champions League team and Moyes’ position is further strengthened by the Europa League qualification, after winning the 2022/23 Europa Conference League.

According to CIES Football Observatory, who analyse the football market, Rice is valued at close to £70 million. It is unlikely that West Ham would settle for that fee due to the nature of recent signings by the ‘big’ clubs in the country.

Declan Rice wages, salary, contract

Spotrac reports that Rice earns £60,000 per week after signing a five-year contract, with a further one year option, with West Ham back in the 2018/19 season.

This means that Rice currently earns over £3 million as an annual salary with the London club. The 24-year-old reportedly turned down an eight year contract last year that would have been worth £83m. 

Rice’s contract runs out at the end of next season, but West Ham could extend it until 2025. Usually a player entering the final year of their contract would see their value decrease, but the Hammers are unlikely to go lower than £85m due to the potential of the player.

Do Arsenal need Declan Rice?

A problem for Arsenal in recent seasons has been their lack of depth in midfield, especially in the more defensive area. 

Thomas Partey has struggled with injuries since joining Arsenal back in 2020. He only missed seven matches in five seasons at Atletico Madrid, but has been sidelined 37 times due to injury for the Gunners. Mohamed Elneny has missed 34 games this season alone because of a thigh problem followed by a long-term knee injury.

Rice has played every single minute in the Premier League this season for West Ham, just one of three outfield players to do so in the league. He has only been absent for 12 league games in the last five seasons.

Partey has also struggled for form in recent games for Mikel Arteta’s side. They have fallen behind in the title race after dropping points against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton and Man City. Jorginho replaced Partey in the Gunners’ 3-1 win over Chelsea, which was their first victory since April 1.

Rice can also play in multiple midfield positions, something that Arteta would appreciate. He can play the positions currently occupied by Partey and Granit Xhaka, as well as further up the pitch if needed.

Arsenal central midfielders Age Jorginho 31 Mohamed Elneny 30 Granit Xhaka  30 Thomas Partey  29 Martin Odegaard 24 Fabio Vieira 22 Matthew Smith 22