Arsenal Transfers: Declan Rice provides update on West Ham future

Declan Rice etched his name into West Ham history on Wednesday night as he guided the Hammers to Europa League Conference glory in Prague.

Jarrod Bowen scored a dramatic late winner as David Moyes’ side downed Fiorentina 2-1 to win their first piece of major European silverware since 1965.

The final has been seen as a key point in the Rice transfer saga with the player constantly emphasising in the build-up to the contest that any decision regarding his future will come after West Ham’s big night.

The Hammers skipper has two years left on his deal in east London, but he’s expected to move on this summer with a whole host of clubs, including Arsenal, interested.

Declan Rice provides update on West Ham future

Rice is a priority target for the Gunners this summer as they seek to refresh their midfield, and Fabrizio Romano wrote after West Ham’s victory that Arsenal are leading Bayern Munich in the race to sign the England international.

The player himself, meanwhile, was unsurprisingly asked about his future amid all the celebrations following his side’s triumph, but Rice didn’t give anything away.

“There’s a lot of speculation about my future. Obviously there is interest from other clubs but ultimately I’ve still got two years left at West Ham,” he said.

“We will see. I love this club, I’m the captain”.

Rice is said to be keen on a move to north London despite interest from Bayern, but his comments post-match does suggest he may be open to remaining at West Ham. However, the midfielder is still firmly expected to move on, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the saga drag on over the summer.

Arsenal are hopeful of securing the 24-year-old’s signature for under £100m, but West Ham are reportedly holding out for excess in that figure. Should the Gunners hesitate, the door will open for one of the other interested parties to potentially sway Rice their way.