West Ham could live to regret a major clanger they made in the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal although Hammers fans will be happy at news from a European giant.
The Hammers sold captain Declan Rice to London rivals Arsenal for £105m three years ago.
David Moyes insisted Rice was worth at least £150m at the time, but was sneered at and mocked by most pundits and press.
Arsenal fans were also among those saying Rice was not worth that kind of money at the time.
West Ham could regret Rice clanger in sale to Arsenal
They quickly found out what West Ham fans were telling them was true, that Rice would establish himself as their best player.
Arsenal supporters have goaded West Ham ever since the transfer, nicknaming the midfielder ‘half price Rice’ and even coming up with a chant to that effect.
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West Ham’s board revealed the only clause in the Rice deal was £1m every time Arsenal qualified for the Champions League for the five years of his original contract.
That was the add-on which took the deal to £105m.
The Hammers did not include any clause to receive a bonus payment if Arsenal won the Premier League.
Nor did they include any sell-on percentage clause in the deal with Arsenal.
Now West Ham could regret that Rice clanger as a European giant circles Arsenal.
Although Hammers fans will undoubtedly be happy at news emerging regarding the future of their former skipper.
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Because BBC Sport have repeated claims made by TEAMtalk that Real Madrid are seriously considering a move to sign Rice from Arsenal.
It is claimed that key figures in Real Madrid’s recruitment team are urging club chiefs to pursue a move for former Hammer Rice after being impressed by the 27-year-old England international’s leadership, physicality and technical qualities.
Few players turn down the world’s biggest and most successful club.
West Ham fans would undoubtedly love to see Arsenal supporters feel their pain at losing Rice.
The midfielder is about to enter the final two years of his five-year contract and serious interest from Real Madrid will certainly give Rice a decision to make should they come knocking.
West Ham will be sick if Arsenal do end up selling Rice on for a profit, though, having failed to negotiate a sell-on clause in their deal.
It is another faux pas from the Hammers’ hierarchy in the Rice deal, but it would make West Ham fans very happy indeed.
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