West Ham manager David Moyes has claimed that Declan Rice "could play for any club" amid a potential transfer exit in the summer window. The midfielder continues to be linked with a move to both Arsenal and Manchester City, with the battle for his signature heating up.
football.london understands that Rice continues to be a top priority target for the Gunners, despite having two bids rejected so far. The first offer was a total package worth £80million before a second bid was tabled at £90million, with add-ons included, but they were turned down.
Personal terms have been agreed already, leading to a deal that still needs to be struck with the Hammers, but rejected offers have opened to door to City. Pep Guardiola's side were claimed to have made an opening bid, however football.london understands that to be premature.
Should both teams make an offer that is accepted by West Ham, football.london understands that Rice would prefer a move to Arsenal over Man City. It remains to be seen where he would fit in either system though, able to play at centre-back, in a deeper midfield role or a more advanced position.
That's something his current manager Moyes believes is possible for any team in the Premier League as he said back in May: "Declan is improving all the time. He's still young, and he's got a long way to go, but he's improving.
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"He's earned his right to play for England and every time he's come back from playing for England, I've seen someone new - with more confidence, with more about his game. He's got leadership and things which will improve with age and time.
"But overall, he's been very good. Declan could play for any club. No doubt about that. He can play different roles as well. He could quite easily fill in as a defender if required. He could play as an attacking midfield player. He could play as a No.6. He's got the ability to play in several different roles."
