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Sport
Jakob Barnes

Declan Rice fires 'massive' warning to former club West Ham ahead of Arsenal's crucial Premier League clash

Declan Rice during the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.

Declan Rice is not going to let anything get in the way of Arsenal having a successful season as they head into the business end of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta's side battled to victory against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

Arsenal could now end their long wait for a major European trophy, but it's the Premier League that will be the focus for Declan Rice this weekend.

Declan Rice wants Arsenal to clinch Premier League title this weekend

The title race is in Arsenal's hands once more. Depending on Manchester City's result against Brentford on Saturday, the North Londoners could even clinch the title this weekend.

They'll have to beat West Ham on Sunday first, though. With the Hammers fighting for their lives against relegation, that may be easier said than done.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice came through the Hammers' youth ranks (Image credit: Getty Images)

For Declan Rice, more than most, it's a game that comes with a lot of baggage. Coming up through the West Ham youth system and captaining the team for years before becoming Arsenal's record signing, there will naturally be conflicting emotions on Sunday.

But, speaking to Amazon Prime Video after the Champions League win, Rice insisted he is not going to let any of that affect his or his team's performance this weekend.

He said: "It's all to play for but we've got to stay composed and focused. It's a tough one because we're into the Champions League final, but Sunday is a massive one as well.

"Without West Ham there is no me. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn't. It's not nice to see the position they are in.

"It is football and I have a job to do on Sunday. It is the business end of the season."

Mikel Arteta is on the cusp of making history (Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Rice has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and if he can help the Gunners secure the title (and the Champions League) the likelihood he clinches individual honours will only increase.

The game against West Ham on Sunday is the first of four huge fixtures for Arsenal, but putting the title race to bed with time to spare would do wonders for their preparation for that European final at the end of May.

Arsenal face West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday, May 10 at 4:30pm.

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