Arsenal and Manchester City target Declan Rice advised to go on strike to force move

Declan Rice on Arsenal's radar

TRANSFERS Arsenal and Manchester City target Declan Rice advised to go on strike to force move

Izuchukwu Akawor 16:25 - 22.06.2023

West Ham United star Declan Rice is a subject of intense battle between Premier League clubs Manchester City and Arsenal.

West Ham United superstar Declan Rice has been told he may have to force a move away from the club with Manchester City and Arsenal heavily interested.

Rice has become the subject of an intense battle between Premier League champions City and challengers for the title last season Arsenal.

Premier League
West Ham United s Declan Rice celebrates with the trophy following Wednesday s 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final and ended their 43-year wait for a trophy | Photo Credit: IMAGO / PA Images

Both clubs are going head-to-head for the West Ham captain having made considerable bids for the defensive midfielder.

Rice told to force move

While it is clear that Rice wants a move away from the club, his transfer appears to be dragging on.

Man City set to battle Arsenal for Declan Rice
Man City set to battle Arsenal for Declan Rice

The Hammers, who Rice captained to a remarkable UEFA Europa Conference League title, have rejected multiple bids for the midfielder.

With the deal dragging, there is a suggestion he may have to force his way out of the club.

This suggestion comes from former Liverpool and Tottenham star Danny Murphy.

“It may get to a point where Declan has got a decision to make – has he got the courage to kick up to get out if he needs to?” Murphy told White and Jordan on talkSPORT.

“I know he’s not that type of lad but sometimes you have to be Craig Bellamy, Joey Barton – you’ve got to look after yourself. I only had it once in my career, but you have to be able to follow through.”

Declan Rice |Pulsesports.ng
Arsenal's initial bid for Declan Rice was rejected

Speaking further, Murphy added that while it won’t be professional for Rice to do that, he should consider himself first.

“Is it a professional thing to do? It doesn’t matter. You’ve got to look after yourself,” he added.

“The big question mark for Dec is if Man City do come in late, the choice over whether to leave London or not.

“London is his home, it’s where he’s grown up, it’s where his family is, but as a football decision it would be a no-brainer to join the Premier League champions.

“If you had a choice between City and Arsenal, although Arsenal are on a great trajectory, you’d pick City all day long.”

Manchester City have now joined the race for Rice and are said to have made a bid in excess of 90 million.

Related content