West Ham wants $125 million for Declan Rice, says report

West Ham has named its price for star midfielder Declan Rice. According to sources at ESPN, the Hammers are hoping to receive $125 million for the England international. Rice, 24, is widely considered to be one of the top central midfielders in the Premier League.

Despite being on a club that barely averages a goal per game, Rice has racked up some impressive statistics. He has 36 key passes from the middle of the pitch, with only a few other players in his position reaching this mark. Rice also ranks highly in passes into the final third of the pitch, progressive passes, and even leads players in his position in interceptions.

Traditional ‘Big Six’ in race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham

There has been no secret that Arsenal has Rice atop of their transfer wish list. Mikel Arteta’s starting XI is fairly set; however, Rice would give them some extra dynamism in midfield. The England international’s style of play would seemingly suit the club perfectly.

Along with the Gunners, West Ham will most likely receive offers from other big clubs as well. Liverpool are in desperate need of an overhaul in midfield as well. Jurgen Klopp would surely love to add Rice to his shrinking list of midfielders. Nevertheless, the Reds have already backed out of the Jude Bellingham race because of his hefty price tag. West Ham’s demands are currently similar to that of Borussia Dortmund’s asking fee for Bellingham.

Manchester City could also be an option for Rice. The Premier League leaders also reportedly want to add to their midfield as well. City has been known to not be put off by massive transfer fees to get the players that they want.

Midfielder wants to play in Champions League

Whichever club eventually buys Rice, it will most likely come down to a team playing in the Champions League. The midfielder previously proclaimed his desire to play in the top European competition. “100% I want to play in the Champions League,” Rice stated during the World Cup in Qatar. “For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that.”

“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies. You only get one career and at the end you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”

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