Marco Verratti has tipped West Ham star Declan Rice to complete a major transfer soon ahead of their expected midfield meeting in England vs Italy. The two major nations are set to clash in European Championship qualifying on Thursday evening, 20 months on from there Euro 2020 final battle at Wembley that was won by Italy.
Both Verratti and Rice played in that game and will likely line up for their respective nations in the first qualifying game for Euro 2024. With the Premier League season paused, the international break, where Rice is playing alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United stars, could be the perfect opportunity for players from those respective clubs to convince Rice to make a major summer transfer.
With his contract expiring in 2024, the price tag set by West Ham is likely to be significantly less than last summer with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs believing the Hammers captain could be worth £70million.
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The Gunners have highlighted Rice as their primary summer target, football.london understands. Chelsea meanwhile have been after their former academy product for many years following his burst onto the scene in east London.
Ahead of England taking on Italy, Verratti was full of praise for his fellow midfielder believing he is destined to play for a "top side."
“I really like him as a player,” said Veratti in his pre-match press conference. "He provides great balance and shape to the team, and he’s got wonderful physical attributes.
“He really helps his team out a lot. He’s a No.6, a defensive midfielder that England really need. I’m sure that he will end up at a top side because I’ve played against him many times, he never gives up, he’s got a wonderful attitude, and he’s still very young so he’s got a huge room for improvement.”
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