Paul Merson makes big Declan Rice claim and has a warning for both West Ham and Arsenal

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson has delivered this verdict on Declan Rice potentially leaving West Ham for Arsenal this summer.

Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a move from West Ham United to Arsenal over the past few months.

READ ALSO: Report: Arsenal now want to sign West Ham’s 40-capped international as well as Rice

The West Ham midfielder is one of the best on the planet at what he does, so it’s little wonder why Gunners boss Mikel Arteta might want him at the Emirates.

Hammers boss David Moyes will be desperate to keep him at the London Stadium, but it seems like Rice’s summer exit is now a formality.

It was actually suggested recently that the 24-year-old West Ham star is excited by the prospect of joining Arsenal.

And now Paul Merson has weighed into the debate regarding Rice’s price-tag…

Paul Merson makes Declan Rice claim and warns West Ham and Arsenal

The well-renowned football pundit has outlined how he doesn’t believe that Rice is worth £100 million but also suggested how he has to leave West Ham this summer, as quoted by The Metro:

“I thought Declan Rice had a very strong game in the middle of the park. The £100million price tag that’s been placed on his head really hasn’t helped him. Now his critics are saying ‘well he’s not worth £100m’ and the way that comes across, it’s like he’s not rated when he definitely is. I like Rice, he’s a top player but I think he’s worth closer to £50m or £60m. Kane is what I would consider a £100m player. My fellow pundits have said he doesn’t score enough goals but his game isn’t really about that, although I do think he would score more if he played in a more attacking team such as Arsenal. I expect Rice to leave West Ham in the summer, I don’t know who he will join, but it’s time for him to move on.”

Firstly, Declan Rice is worth what West Ham say he is and if nobody chooses to meet that valuation, then he will have to stay at the London Stadium.

However, it could be argued that it will not be worth it for Arsenal to pay £100 million plus for Dec as it would not represent value to them.

I think that Dec does have the ability to become more of a box-to-box player and contribute more in the final third. If he does join Arsenal for anywhere near £100 million, he will definitely be expected to do that.

I have a feeling that Declan Rice will leave West Ham for closer to £80 million. I just can’t see many clubs willing to pay anything like £100 million for him.

READ ALSO:

Jack Wilshere takes a swipe at David Moyes

Joe Cole has just made a huge Declan Rice claim

Terrible news for West Ham as ‘best manager in the world’ reportedly wants Tottenham job