Manchester United are reportedly interested in Declan Rice and are ready to rival Arsenal for the West Ham United captain with a player-plus-cash offer.
The West Ham midfielder, 24, is in serious demand this summer after making clear his wish to play in the Champions League and compete for major honours. Arsenal are keen on signing him and have already seen two offers knocked back by West Ham—the second of which was said to total £90m. While the east Londoners are holding out for a minimum £100m, the belief is that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will eventually get his top target.
However, the Telegraph reports that Manchester United have now joined Arsenal in the race for the signing of Declan Rice. They are offering either Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay plus money to tempt West Ham into selling their star midfielder, while Manchester City also hold an interest in the player, the report adds.
Having now made himself a hero at the London Stadium by claiming the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy this past season, it seems fitting that Rice is finally ready to take the next big step in his career.
Declan Rice to Manchester United—Right option for Erik ten Hag?
Manchester United are seeking additions in departments all across the pitch this summer amid the takeover saga. In an attempt to bolster the midfield, it is well known that Erik ten Hag has set his sights on Chelsea’s Mason Mount. In addition, he also wants to sign Mount’s international teammate, Declan Rice.
Ten Hag is a firm admirer of Rice having been blown away by his performance in West Ham’s 1-0 win over Man United at the London Stadium in May. And to get his hands on the 24-year-old, the Red Devils boss is ready to give up on Maguire and McTominay—both free to leave the club this summer after tumbling down the pecking order.
It is worth noting that both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are in their 30s, while Fred is attracting interest from Fulham. This is why it makes total sense for Man United to go all out for Rice as he would undoubtedly strengthen Ten Hag’s midfield options.
The signing of a proven midfield general would likely give a boost to everyone in Ten Hag’s squad. The England international would bring more energy, intensity and tenacity when compared to the ageing legs of Eriksen, whilst being a solid partner for Casemiro in the double pivot.
Rice’s presence at the base of midfield can provide a stronger platform for Bruno Fernandes to thrive in the final third of the pitch, but also his technical quality on the ball and reading of the game make him a top option for United to help control the big-ticket games along with Casemiro. The midfield trio of Declan Rice, Casemiro and Fernandes would leave any Premier League club envious, as it could see the eight goals and eight assists Fernandes recorded last season in the Premier League rise steeply even further with such a reliable double pivot behind him.
Thus, the Red Devils must leave no stone unturned in matching Arsenal and Man City’s ambition and desire to make West Ham accept the player-plus-cash swap offer for Declan Rice.