West Ham owner David Sullivan confirms that Declan Rice will leave the club
“We promised him he could go. He doesn’t want to be here’: £100m Declan Rice is leaving West Ham, owner David Sullivan confirms as he expects bids TODAY after star rejects offers of £200,000 a week
West Ham chairman David Sullivan has revealed Declan Rice will be allowed to leave the club during the summer term.
The future of the East London England international has been the focus of debate in recent weeks, after sparking interest from a number of elite European clubs.
The Hammers were only in talks about a transfer with Rice before their season came to an end, but after their Europa Conference League final win, it appears a decision has been made.
Speak against talkSPORT on Thursday, Sullivan said, “I think it has to be [his last game]. We promised him he could go. He put his heart on the road.
“You can’t ask for a man who has put in more effort for us this season. In time, he has to step in and we have to find a replacement – or several replacements.
Declan Rice has been told by West Ham that he may leave the club in the summer
Club president David Sullivan (right) revealed Rice turned down a new deal at the London Stadium just 18 months ago
“It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000 a week 18 months ago. He turned it down.
“It cost him £10 million to stay at West Ham during that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.’
Mail Sport announced on Thursday that Arsenal will make an official offer for the West Ham captain in the coming days, with Hammers chairman Sullivan valuing Rice at more than £100 million.
The German champion Bayern led by Thomas Tuchel also wants to lure Rice away from the London Stadium, but the midfielder prefers to stay in England.
“I think the offers are starting to come in today,” Sullivan explained. “There are three or four clubs that have expressed an interest, but out of respect for West Ham, as long as we’re still playing, you don’t make offers for players.
‘Decent clubs don’t do it that way.’
Rice remained coy when asked about his future following West Ham’s 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final.
“It’s flattering to be wanted by many clubs, but the crest on my chest tonight is West Ham,” said Rice.
Mikel Arteta (left) and Thomas Tuchel (right) are both eager to sign the England midfielder
Rice and club legend Mark Noble (left) stand with the Europa Conference League trophy after West Ham’s 2-1 Europa Conference League win over Fiorentina on Wednesday
“I still have two years left on my contract and in the end it’s up to the people up there. Until the day I leave this club I will give absolutely everything and will wear my heart on my sleeve for this badge.
‘The last two, three years it has been about me non-stop. Reading by yourself is actually quite boring. I see it all the time but I can’t help it, it comes with playing football every day and doing what I do.
“I really don’t know what’s happening right now, that’s my honest answer. I completely shut myself off from the whole situation because it would be totally wrong.
My focus tonight, and it has been since the World Cup, has been to win this trophy and keep West Ham in the Premier League. We did, so I’m going to enjoy tonight.’
Rice would be based in London, which could give The Gunners an advantage over league rivals Manchester United, who are also interested.
Nevertheless, United’s emergence as rivals to Rice could still undermine Arsenal’s hopes.
The Old Trafford club are operating on a limited transfer window this summer and are already planning to release at least £55 million from their budget to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
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