Marco Verratti has heaped great praise on Declan Rice ahead of England's clash with Italy, claiming that the Arsenal and Chelsea target will soon join a 'top club'. 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 the Gunners still hold a strong interest in Rice. However, it's also understood that the Hammers captain 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. Despite interest from various top clubs around Europe, David Moyes' side appear confident that the former Chelsea academy prospect will not leave.
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But, Verratti isn't so certain. In fact, when speaking to the press ahead of Italy's UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against the Three Lions, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was very complimentary of Rice.
"Rice? I really like him as a player, he gives great balance to the team," Verratti said, as quoted by Itasportpress.it. "He is the No.6 that England needs, and I have no doubt that sooner or later he will end up in a top club. He has plenty of room for improvement."
Despite the Italian's glowing review, pundits such as Graeme Souness and Roy Keane have been critical of Rice. The former Liverpool defender outlined that world-class midfielders must be able to defend, create chances and score goals, claiming the West Ham star can only do one of which.
"It’s harsh," said Rice. "I think it’s harsh because Souness doesn’t watch West Ham every week. There’s loads of West Ham fans, 60,000 go every week, and see what I do.
"To say I’m only good at one of three is harsh. But Souness was a top midfielder and when someone like him speaks you have to sometimes listen and take on board where you can improve if that’s true.
"Roy as well, he’s said some glowing things about me in the past and sometimes some things I can improve as well,” Rice said. “You take it with a pinch of salt and try not to let it affect you."
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