Manchester United intend to rival Arsenal for Declan Rice after David Moyes admitted the midfielder was likely to leave West Ham this summer.
Arsenal have been leading the race to sign Rice and are still regarded as his likeliest destination. They have been laying the groundwork before a bid and the 24-year-old is interested in playing for Mikel Arteta.
However Arsenal’s hopes could be hit if a bidding war for Rice develops, with West Ham indicating they want at least £100m for their captain. Arsenal could be reluctant to reach those figures and there are growing indications that United are planning to step up their interest.
That has been bubbling away behind the scenes but there is no guarantee United will bid for Rice. Erik ten Hag’s priority is to sign a No 9 and his main target is Tottenham’s Harry Kane. Getting the England captain out of Spurs will not be easy or cheap.
Another focus for United will be adding more physicality to their midfield. They are interested in Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic. Rice would be much more expensive. United could need to sell players to compete for him, but their interest is growing.
West Ham are desperate to keep Rice for another season but know they are fighting a losing battle. Rice’s contract expires next year, with the option of an extra year, and he has no intention of signing an extension. He wants to play in the Champions League and compete for major honours.
It seems that the best outcome for West Ham, who are closing in on Premier League safety, would be for Rice to help them win the Europa Conference League. They are 2-1 up against AZ Alkmaar before the second leg of their semi-final in the Netherlands on Thursday. West Ham are chasing their first major trophy since 1980 and winning the Conference League would qualify them for the Europa League.
Rice would be able to leave on a high and Moyes has acknowledged there is a good chance he will leave. “We honestly hope he stays,” the manager said. “We’d love for him to be a West Ham player but we are aware that might not be the case at the end of the season. So that’s one of the scenarios around planning. There are plans that we have Dec here but we’re also fully aware there is a good chance we won’t have him.”
West Ham are paying close attention to how much Borussia Dortmund receive if they sell Jude Bellingham. Chelsea have been monitoring Rice but are unlikely to buy him. Newcastle have the funds to enter the race and could be an attractive proposition if they qualify for the Champions League.
