Former Arsenal and England forward Paul Merson expects West Ham United to improve in the Premier League next season, regardless of whether they keep hold of Declan Rice this summer.
The Hammers suffered their lowest Premier League finish for three seasons this year, finishing 14th after spending much of the campaign fighting to steer clear of relegation, However, they could still qualify for Europe next season, should they beat Fiorentina in the final of the Europa Conference League next Wednesday, what would be West Ham’s first major honour since 1980.
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On top of their struggles this season, star midfielder and captain Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium this season, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich the clubs most heavily-linked with signing the 24-year-old in the upcoming transfer window.
Despite the poor league season and the strong links with an exit for Rice, Merson, whose playing career saw him win two top-flight titles, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup with Arsenal, believes West Ham will finish much higher in the Premier League regardless of if they keep Rice or not, adding that manager David Moyes will spend whatever funds he is given for the summer transfer window wisely.
“They won’t be where they are this season [next season],” Merson told Sky Sports (as published by Hammers.News).
“I think this season they’ve got caught up in Europe. I’d be shocked if they weren’t middle of the table next season with Declan Rice or without Declan Rice.
“Yes [they will have a good chunk of money to spend] and for me David Moyes is a top manager and he’ll spend it wisely.”
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