Declan Rice is one of the names being talked about the most in this transfer window. The England international has almost saved West Ham from being relegated but is still unlikely to continue playing for David Moyes’ team. Rice has been at the heart of David’s midfield for a long time now and helped him win many matches courtesy of his assists or tackles or dribbles and sometimes a goal. There is no argument by any in terms of his work ethic, talent or skills that he possesses as a midfielder.
Declan Rice this season
The defensive midfielder had an alluring season, per se. His team may have been languishing at the bottom half of the table but his performance was that of a top team player. And we have stats to prove that.
Rice on average this season has made 1.8 interceptions, 2.3 tackles, 1.0 dribbles, 1.0 shots, and 1.1 key passes per game. He was adjudged as the man of the match against West Ham’s latest 1-0 win against Manchester United.
His performance against big clubs is what has gotten him applauded from many pundits and scouts which is why even this season he is being approached by every big name in Europe, particularly Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City & Bayern Munich.
Teams behind Declan Rice
Declan Rice is being monitored and followed by Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Erik Ten Hag. The three clubs that will probably finish in the top 3 of the Premier League are chasing Declan Rice along with German champions; dreamy isn’t it?
While Arsenal have been the top contender for a long time now as they are ready to meet his huge price tag. They, however, will not find it easy to seduce him into staying in London and playing for Arsenal.
According to German newspaper Bild, the 24-year-old England international is a prime target of Bayern Munich and Tuchel. The ex-manager of Chelsea has seen Rice up close during his tenure in England and has been a fond lover of his services. Declan Rice suits into the ideology of Tuchel to make Joshua Kimmich play up front. Having Rice in his team will let the German midfielder play more attacking football; the position where he has impressed one and all this season. Tuchel is aware that Rice will not come in cheap but is also said to have had an advanced talk with the midfielder and his agent.
Manchester City on the other hand can let go of Kalvin Philips, fill in their pocket a little and go all in for Declan Rice. The goodwill of Man City and Pep Guardiola to win the silverware can help them persuade Declan Rice to travel to the city of Manchester. Declan would not find it difficult to say yes to City and get a chance to play alongside famous names like Kevin De Bruyne, goal-scoring monster Erling Haaland, and his national teammate Jack Grealish.
Talking about the city of Manchester, we also have Man United waiting in line. The Red Devils have been following Declan Rice and his agent for quite some time now. Erik Ten Hag would want to develop a champion side and for that Rice is the perfect fit.
Declan Rice’s ability to assist, his movement off the ball, his leadership qualities and effectiveness on the field, and his skill to tackle opposition players, dribble past them or make important interceptions is what make him the favorite of all teams.
Where will Declan Rice end up next season is the question that everyone wants the answer to.