Declan Rice looks set to be one of the most coveted players in the summer transfer window as Europe's top clubs look to bolster their midfield options. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from West Ham for some time now as he continues to impress for club and country.
Despite the arrival of Jorginho on deadline day, football.london understand that Arsenal still hold a strong interest in Rice. However, it's also understood that the England international remains a key target for the Blues as well.
Rice is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024, with the east Londoners holding the option to extend his tenure by a further year. With the Hammers captain tied down to a reasonably long-term deal, David Moyes' side appear confident that the former Chelsea academy prospect will not leave despite speculation over his future.
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While a number of Premier League sides may be monitoring Rice's situation, he's been steered towards a move to the Santiago Bernabeu instead. Speaking to OLGB, Glen Johnson claimed that the midfielder would thrive at Real Madrid.
"Declan Rice would be good for Real Madrid," the former Blues defender said. "In those big teams it is easy to play. If Declan went there, he would definitely thrive there. Real Madrid have the standard and players to support him."
The possibility of joining the Spanish giants has split opinion. Joe Cole believes that Real Madrid will not even consider signing Rice, with Carlo Ancelotti already treated to a plethora of midfield options.
" Every club in Europe will be looking at Declan because of what he brings to the team," the former Chelsea playmaker told BT Sport. "The only club I'd probably rule out is maybe Real Madrid because of [Toni] Kroos, [Luka] Modric, [Federico] Valverde, [Aurelien] Tchouameni and [Eduardo] Camavinga - but every other club needs a midfielder and Rice is as good as anyone."
Cole proceeded to offer Rice some advice, detailing his own experience from when he left West Ham in 2003. He added: "I've been in Rice's shoes.
"You're fighting, you're fighting and you're fighting for your club and you want to win trophies and then you speak to your mates in the England squad and it can be frustrating. I'm sure Declan would love West Ham to be challenging for the Champions League places and for there to be a new plan with a new owner, but he's got a decision to make at the end of the season."
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