West Ham release statement on Declan Rice whose reportedly joining Arsenal

West Ham United owner David Sullivan has confirmed that Declan Rice, Arsenal’s main summer transfer target, will be leaving the club in the next couple of days or weeks. Speaking to talkSPORT about Rice, Sullivan said, “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. He has to get on & we have to get a replacement.”

Rice, who is 24 years old, scored four goals and provided two assists in the recently ended season and was one of the players that helped West Ham United escape relegation. He also helped West Ham United to win the UEFA Europa Conference trophy.

Rice is considered one of the best young midfielders in Europe and has been linked with several top clubs across Europe including Bayern Munich and Manchester United. However, it seems that Arsenal are leading the race for his signature.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season and Rice would be an excellent addition to their squad. With his ability to break up play and his passing range, he would provide Arsenal with some much-needed defensive stability in midfield.

It remains to be seen how much Arsenal will have to pay for Rice’s services but it is expected that they will have to break their transfer record if they want to sign him.

West Ham United will now have to find a replacement for Rice as they look to build on their successful season. They will be hoping to find a player who can have the same impact as Rice did for them this season.

Overall, it seems that Rice’s departure from West Ham United is inevitable and Arsenal fans will be hoping that he can help them win their first Premier League title since 2004.