Manchester United are reportedly looking to outbid Arsenal in the race to sign West Ham United’s Declan Rice this summer. The 24-year-old is expected to leave the Hammers at the end of the season and has privately expressed his desire to remain in London. However, this has not deterred Erik ten Hag’s side from pursuing the English midfielder. David Moyes previously valued Rice at an astounding £150 million. He has featured 30 times across competitions this season, scoring three goals and contributing four assists. He is expected to be one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders this summer.
The Gunners have been favourites to sign Rice in the summer after holding talks with his representatives over a potential move to the Emirates. But the Red Devils are hopeful of convincing the Englishman to head to Old Trafford instead. Rice has over a year left remaining on his deal with West Ham and the club has a one-year extension option in his contract. The player rejected a new contract offer from the Hammers last May that would have made him the highest-paid player in club history.
Rice has aspirations of playing in the UEFA Champions League, something both the Gunners and the Red Devils could offer him next season. He said (via Football Faithful): “One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that. I’ve been playing consistently well for my club, and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.” Manchester United are now looking to beat Arsenal to the signing of Rice in the summer, as the English midfielder seeks to play in the Champions League. The Hammers captain is expected to leave at the end of the season and the Red Devils are hopeful of convincing him to head to Old Trafford.
