Michail Antonio has backed Declan Rice to hold his own in the Premier League's top clubs. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea of late as he continues to impress for West Ham.
Despite the arrival of Jorginho on deadline day, football.london understands that the Gunners still hold a keen interest in Rice. However, it's also understood that the England international remains a key target for the Blues as Mikel Arteta looks to lure him to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
Rice is under contract at the London Stadium until 2024, with the east Londoners holding a further one-year option to extend his deal until the summer of 2025. With the Hammers captain tied down to a long-term deal, David Moyes' side appear confident that the Chelsea academy product will not leave despite speculation.
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In the event that Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City or Manchester United are successful in their mission to sign Rice, Antonio has tipped his teammate to hold his own. Speaking on The Footballer’s Football Podcast, the West Ham striker said: "He has been linked everywhere. Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea…
"He’s a quality player and he deserves to be in one of those teams so he’s going to be linked with anyone. It’s whatever happens obviously.
"I think he has a year and a half left on his contract and anything can happen. He could end up anywhere because I think he could play in any of those teams."
Rice, who was released from Cobham at the age of 14, once topped Chelsea's shortlist alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, according to The Athletic. The report states that a move for the Englishman collapsed because the Hammers' £100million valuation was considered too 'steep' by the Blues.
But, as interest grows, Fabrizio Romano has been quoted claiming that Rice could demand a fee in the region of €150million (£133m). For now, it remains to be seen whether the West Ham captain will jump ship.
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