West Ham United’s dazzling centre-back, Declan Rice, has been one of the most intriguing prospects in the Premier League this season. The starlet has risen to the needs of the senior side and has discharged his functions in an exceptional manner.
Jamie Redknapp, in one of his latest interviews, has gone on to compare him with former Chelsea skipper, John Terry, and it is a no mean feat for Rice. The youth product of the Hammers is expected to be a sought-after player in the summer transfer window and here are three teams which should aim to rope him to their ranks.
Arsenal
Arsenal, under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, have invested heavily on the blossoming starlets and time and again. The Gunners have not been very convincing in the Premier League this season and a top-four finish seems to be a distant dream for them. One of the areas the north London based outfit is expected to beef up in the summer is their central defence.
Rice has the potential to be the heir to Laurent Koscielny as he has showcased his resilience time and again this season. The 19-year-old is an excellent tackler and reads the game in a meticulous manner. He is young, developing and would mature further in the coming seasons. Thus, it goes without saying that he can be a huge asset for Arsenal in their upcoming endeavours.
Leeds United
While Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper are the first-choice central defensive duo for Leeds United, the Championship outfit lack a proper back-up. Matthew Pennington and Conor Shaughnessy have been terribly inconsistent and perhaps they need to be shipped out on loan to brush themselves.
Rice could be a galvanizing coup for the Whites, provided the board is willing to spend a substantial amount of transfer fee to lure him to the Elland Road in the summer. Leeds United are definitely going to need some freshness in their back line to mount a serious challenge for promotion and Rice could meet their needs.
Wolves
Unarguably the best side in the Championship this season, Wolverhampton Wanderers are firm favourites to clinch the Championship silverware at the end of the season. A promotion to the top flight is looking all set to happen for them and they are seemingly likely to bring some reinforcements in the summer.
The Wolves do have the financial muscle to bring someone like Rice to their ranks. The youngster is capable enough to ply his trade as a central defensive midfielder as well and it would make a lot of sense if Nuno Espirito Santo makes him sign on the dotted line in the summer.
