June 20, (THEWILL) – Arsenal have submitted a groundbreaking offer for West Ham United midfielder, Declan Rice, which is expected to be rejected by their English Premier League rivals.
However, negotiations are progressing, and Arsenal are edging closer to the fee that West Ham are seeking if they are to allow their captain to depart. Rice is the primary target for Arsenal this summer, as they prioritise strengthening their midfield. Also, EPL champions, Manchester City, are actively exploring the possibility of making their own approach for the 24-year-old.
Following West Ham’s Europa Conference League triumph, club chairman, David Sullivan, expressed his belief that Rice has played his final game for the club, stating that the player has expressed his desire to leave, as THEWILL reported. Rice’s current contract with West Ham expires in 2024, with an option for a one-year extension. Since making his debut in 2017, Rice has made 245 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a key figure in their lineup.
Rice is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top players in disrupting opposition attacks. He possesses the ability to regain possession and drive the team forward, effectively transitioning defensive play into attacking opportunities. Rice’s exceptional game-reading skills, characterized by sharp anticipation, well-timed decision-making, and innate understanding of the game, contribute significantly to his effectiveness on the field.
In West Ham’s typical 4-2-3-1 formation, Rice plays a crucial role as one of the two midfielders, often partnering with Tomas Soucek. His defensive presence allows him to initiate build-up play from the back and remain readily available for receiving passes. However, it is his ability to break up play and prevent counter-attacks that truly showcases his defensive prowess and makes his an attractive prospect for Arsenal.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
