Reports suggest that Newcastle United have entered the race to sign West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer. However, they will face stiff competition from Arsenal and Manchester United for the England international’s signature.
Rice, who has spent his entire professional career at West Ham, has played 232 times for the club since making his senior debut in 2017. However, the 24-year-old is now being tipped for a move away from the London Stadium, with his desire to play Champions League football well known.
Arsenal are thought to be leading the race for Rice, with Manchester United also interested as they look to return to Europe’s elite competition. However, Newcastle are now ready to stun their rivals after a spectacular season under Eddie Howe.
The Magpies are currently third in the table and look good for a shock Champions League spot after some impressive results. Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have established themselves as key figures in Newcastle’s midfield, and Rice is seen as the missing piece of the three-man jigsaw to turn the club into title contenders.
There has already been contact between Newcastle and Rice’s representatives, but any side ready to sign the anchorman will have to break the bank. West Ham boss David Moyes declared last year that Rice’s price-tag is a staggering £150 million, and it’s reckoned the star is now valued at around £75 million, with his contract up in 2024.
Rice is widely regarded as one of the best young midfielders in Europe, and his performances for West Ham have not gone unnoticed. He has been a key player for the Hammers this season, helping them to secure a top-six finish in the Premier League and reach the final of the Europa League.
Newcastle’s interest in Rice is a clear indication of their ambition under Howe. The former Bournemouth boss has transformed the Magpies since taking over in November, and he will be looking to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours in the coming years.
Rice would be a significant addition to Newcastle’s midfield, bringing a wealth of experience and quality to the team. He is a versatile player who can operate in a defensive or attacking role, and his ability to read the game and break up opposition attacks would be invaluable to the Magpies.
However, Newcastle will face a tough battle to sign Rice, with Arsenal and Manchester United both keen to secure his services. The Gunners are looking to rebuild their squad under Mikel Arteta, while United are desperate to return to the top of English football after a disappointing season.
It remains to be seen where Rice will end up this summer, but one thing is for sure: he will not come cheap. West Ham are under no pressure to sell their prized asset, and they will only let him go for a fee that reflects his true value.
For Newcastle, signing Rice would be a statement of intent and a clear sign that they are ready to challenge the top teams in the Premier League. It would be a major coup for the Magpies, and it could be the start of a new era of success at St James’ Park.