Speculation about the future of West Ham United's standout, Declan Rice, has been rife, with numerous clubs vying for his skillset. However, insider sources are suggesting that fans should be cautious in expecting Rice to move to Arsenal.
Fabrizio Romano, the transfer expert, revealed details about the evolving saga of Rice's potential move to Arsenal in an exclusive conversation with Caught Offside. The transfer window is slated to open on Wednesday, June 14, and Romano offered some valuable insights.
Romano noted, "We are still waiting for Arsenal to submit an official proposal and then we will understand more. Bayern (Munich) wants him, Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the player since he was the Chelsea manager. But the reality is that the player wants to continue in England, continue in the Premier League, especially London."
Declan Rice to Arsenal is "Not a Done Deal", watch the full video with @FabrizioRomano on Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing (https://t.co/GnNm4NssV7) pic.twitter.com/35zdnVxMZh — CaughtOffside (@caughtoffside) June 12, 2023
Despite international interest, Romano's comments hint that Rice's preference lies in continuing his career in England, ideally within London. He also indicated that although Bayern is keen, the club recognizes that the decision ultimately rests with Rice.
Recent reports suggest that to secure Rice, the Gunners may have to pay an excess of £100 million ($125.6 million). If true, this deal will shatter Arsenal's previous transfer record, a £72 million ($90 million) splurge on Nicolas Pepe in 2019.
Rice's alleged preference for Arsenal has led to rumors that the club is leading the race against Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United.
This speculation was further fueled when a video was posted on the England men's national soccer team YouTube channel. The clip showed Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale being the first to congratulate Rice on his West Ham United victory.
Rice has proven himself invaluable both for West Ham and the England national team, adeptly thwarting opposing offenses and creating opportunities on the attack. His potential acquisition is seen as a possible solution to Arsenal's midfield woes. The club finished this season disappointingly, yielding the English Premier League title to Manchester City after a sequence of subpar performances.
As the summer transfer window draws near, the rumor mill continues to churn, and the movement of soccer's big names will undoubtedly keep fans, clubs, and pundits on their toes.
