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Arsenal target Rice played his last game for West Ham

By on June 8, 2023

Declan-Rice

West Ham United chairman David Sullivan has said that Arsenal target Declan Rice has played his last game for the Hammers.

It has widely been suggested that the Gunners have prioritised strengthening their midfield department this summer and have earmarked the Englishman as their primary target. It has also been reported that Arsenal are set to accelerate their efforts to sign Rice and will submit an official £92m bid over the coming days.

Speaking to talkSport(via Sky Sports), West Ham chairman Sullivan has said that Rice has already played his last game for West Ham as the midfielder has been promised that he will be allowed to leave this summer. So, this will be a big boost for Arsenal in pursuit of the England international.

Sullivan also says that Rice wants to take the next step in his career so he has rejected a lucrative proposal to sign an extension with the East London club.

Rice to Arsenal

The West Ham chairman further claims that four clubs are interested in signing Rice and they are expected to submit formal bids over the coming days to purchase the 24-year-old. So, it appears Arsenal will have to overcome tough competition to secure the Englishman’s signature but it has been reported that the Gunners are currently the front-runners to sign the midfielder.

Following West Ham’s Conference League triumph, the Hammers chairman was asked whether Rice has already played his last game for the club, Sullivan said:

“I think it has to be. We promised him [Rice] he could go. He set his heart on going and in due course he has to get on and we have to get a replacement. It is not something we wanted to happen. We offered him £200,000 a week 18 months ago and he turned it down. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.

“I think the offers will start to come [on Thursday]. Three or four clubs have shown interest but out of respect to West Ham, while we’re still playing, you don’t make offers for players.”

Rice has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the last few years. So, purchasing a talent like him would certainly be a great coup for Arsenal if they manage to lure him to the Emirates Stadium this summer. We have got our Arsenal FC tickets at the ready if they do.”