West Ham United Captain Could Exit For Arsenal Amid Interest From Chelsea: Should He Be Tied Down? | OneFootball

In a recent report from Metro, it was mentioned that West Ham United are resigned to losing their captain Declan Rice this summer. It was mentioned that the English midfielder is more likely to complete a transfer to Arsenal despite attracting interest from Chelsea.

Rice’s Campaign With West Ham United So Far this Season

Rice is enjoying a decent run of form after producing some influential displays in the central areas following his impressive run with England in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. However, he has only found the back of the net twice and picked up two assists over 29 appearances for the Hammers this season in various competitions. However, the West Ham Captain deserves a lot of credit for anchoring the holding midfield positions and having a solid presence in the central areas.

The English sensation has been more than reliable in the middle of the park averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 1.0 shots and 1.2 key passes per game in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing possession to his teammates after completing 89.2% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).

West Ham United

Can West Ham United Make A Last Ditch Effort To Tie Him Down For Another Year?

After a dismal form in the Premier League this season, West Ham’s hopes of tying Rice down to a new contract have nearly evaporated. The East London club are languishing in the seventeenth place, hovering just above the relegation places on top of Bournemouth.

Rice has made it evident that he wants to compete in the Champions League. Even though he was determined to do that with the Hammers, David Moyes’ side have regressed beyond imagination with what has transpired so far this season. Hence, West Ham are now left with no choice but to sanction his exit in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old is looking to compete in European competitions, so the Emirates Stadium could be the preferred destination compared to Chelsea, with a top-four qualification looking unlikely. Even though the Blues are capable of offering a massive fee, their bid has significantly weakened in comparison to the Gunners. However, only time could tell what Rice’s future beholds at the end of this season.