According to Express, West Ham United have reportedly agreed on sanctioning Declan Rice’s exit from the London Stadium as they have resigned to losing him at the end of this season. The Hammers have privately accepted to cash in on him this summer, otherwise, they risk missing out on a club-record transfer fee for their most prized asset at the moment.
Rice’s Campaign With West Ham United So Far This Season
Rice had struggled at the start of this campaign but has returned to form after producing some influential displays in the central areas for the Hammers following his impressive run with England recently. He has managed to find the back of the net on one occasion and create two assists over twenty-four appearances so far this season.
The Thames-born sensation has been reliable and consistent in the holding midfield positions after averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.3 shots and 1.3 key passes per game in the Premier League. He has also been accurate with his ball distribution after completing 89.8% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
Good Decision From David Moyes In Sanctioning His Exit This Summer?
Rice’s contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, so he will be entering the final year of his current deal at the end of this season which means that West Ham would be in a position whereby they could negotiate for a record transfer fee and sanction his exit or convince him into signing a contract extension with them.
However, they are currently languishing in the relegation zone and if they do not manage to save themselves from being demoted to the second division then it would make it difficult for the East London club to keep him at the club. So falling short of negotiating a contract renewal would mean that they risk losing him for a reduced price. Hence, Moyes has done well to accept the fact that it would be better for the club and the player if he were to make an exit in the next transfer window.
The Hammers will certainly stand their ground on his valuation and will demand over £100 million in order to part ways with the club captain. All in all, this gives Arsenal a transfer boost as they have prioritised bringing him aboard at the Emirates Stadium in the next transfer window.
