‘Let’s wait and see, who knows?’: Declan Rice refuses to be drawn over interest from Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Man United, while the £100million-rated West Ham captain is unsure of victory in the Europa Conference League is his last game for the club
- Declan Rice was questioned about his future this summer and interest increased
- After leading West Ham to victory in the Europa Conference League, he continued to hold back
- Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for the £100 million-valued midfielder
Declan Rice refused to get carried away by a potential move from West Ham this summer, insisting fans must “wait and see” what happens in the coming weeks.
The West Ham captain is a target for Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United this summer and is estimated to be worth £100 million.
Moments after leading West Ham to Europa Conference League glory in Prague, their first piece of silverware in 58 years, Rice was questioned about interest in him and whether he had just closed the book on his story at West Ham.
“Right now there’s a lot of speculation about my future,” Rice admitted.
“Of course there is interest from other clubs, there is, but in the end I still have two years left at West Ham.
“I love this club, I love playing for this club and nothing has happened yet, so look, my focus is on playing for West Ham, enjoying tonight and seeing what happens. I’m captain of this club, I absolutely love it and I can’t say enough about the place. Let’s wait and see what happens.
Asked if this was the perfect farewell if it turns out to be his last game for West Ham, Rice added: ‘Let’s wait and see, who knows?’
Mail Sport has previously reported this Rice will prioritizing a move to stay in the Premier League this summer.
Arsenal are expected to make an opening bid of around £90m for Rice as West Ham have finished their season by winning the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
Rice is believed to be based in London, which could give the Gunners an advantage over Man United who are chasing one of Rice’s best friends, Mason Mount.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has made Rice his number 1 target and asked the club to focus on bringing in the midfielder as their first transfer this summer.
With Granit Xhaka heading to Bayer Leverkusen next season, Arteta Rice has identified as the man he wants to replace the Swiss international in midfield next season.
If this was Rice’s last game in a West Ham shirt, it felt like a fairytale ending, with BT Sport pundits Carlton Cole and Joe Cole comparing him to iconic leaders of the past such as Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has made Rice his main target with a prepared £90 million bid
West Ham took the lead through a Said Benrahma penalty before they were pinned down.
It took a Jarrod Bowen winner in the dying moments to end over 50 years of pain for West Ham supporters to see them lift a trophy.
“The boys have been so busy tonight,” Rice added.
“We had real faith. I am not only happy for us, the manager, the fans, but for everyone who is doing everything they can to help us perform. I’m not just happy for myself, I’m happy for them. I’m so, so happy.’
Of Jarrod Bowen’s winner, Rice said, “When he drove through on goal I said out loud to myself ‘this is your time”.
“As soon as you see it hit the back of the net, you don’t know what to do. I am still in shock now. It’s unbelievable.
“We got here two hours earlier and it was full. The fans, look at them. This is what it means to us and to me. I like this club, they made me one of them. I can’t describe what I feel when I talk about West Ham fans. I’m just so, so happy.’