Declan Rice reacts to David Sullivan’s claim that he wants to leave West Ham
Declan Rice is adamant about staying at West Ham, even though the club’s owner has stated that he wants to leave and there is interest from Arsenal.
Despite the speculation, Rice played a crucial role in helping West Ham win a European trophy by defeating Fiorentina in the final of the Europa Conference League.
Following the match, discussions quickly centered around Rice’s future, with the general anticipation being that he would pursue opportunities elsewhere.
Despite Declan Rice’s increasing value at West Ham, he has rejected the opportunity to sign a new contract, leading the club to consider selling him during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Numerous prominent teams across Europe have expressed interest in the midfielder, and Rice himself has a strong desire to compete in the UEFA Champions League.
During an interview with TalkSPORT, West Ham chairman David Sullivan seemed to imply that Rice would be leaving the club, referring to a promise they had made to the player.
He told TalkSPORT: “I think it has to be. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going. You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season. In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.
“It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down. It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”
Recently, Declan Rice was approached by a young fan who recorded their interaction and shared it on TikTok. The fan asked Rice where he would like to go, but the English player did not express any desire to leave and responded by saying, “Nowhere, I’m West Ham.”
When pressed further about his destination if he had to leave West Ham, Rice maintained his stance and insisted: “I don’t, West Ham is my one.”
The video was uploaded to TikTok by a user named Virajplays4, who claims it was recorded on Saturday.
If Declan Rice were to leave West Ham, Arsenal seems to be the frontrunner in the pursuit of his signature. With Granit Xhaka’s potential departure, Arsenal is in need of reinforcements in midfield as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Chelsea, where Rice began his footballing journey, has often been mentioned as a possible destination throughout his career. However, their midfield options are already well-stocked, including the recent British-record signing Enzo Fernandez, under the guidance of new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Manchester United has already acquired Casemiro and seems to be exploring other potential midfield options
Manchester City might enter the race if players like Ilkay Gundogan decide to leave, while Bayern Munich has also been suggested as a possible destination if Rice desires to leave the Premier League.
Declan Rice reacts to David Sullivan’s claim that he wants to leave West Ham