West Ham’s legendary academy chief, Tony Carr, recognised in Declan Rice the key attributes needed for a life in professional football when the midfielder was barely into his teens.
Rice had just been released by Chelsea ’s academy when Carr first clapped eyes on him. And he didn’t have to think twice about snapping up the kid who is this week set to become Arsenal ’s record signing — and a record transfer between British clubs — when he finally puts pen to paper on a £105million transfer.
The two clubs are well advanced in negotiations and it is hoped that a deal for Rice could be concluded as early as Monday. All that remains to be agreed is the structure of the deal, with £100m guaranteed and the other £5m to follow in add-ons.
Speaking to West Ham ’s website, Carr said: “With Dec, he was 13 and our then-head of recruitment Dave Hunt said two players had been released by Chelsea, so I said, ‘Bring them in’. And as soon as you saw them you could see they had something.
“Declan, you could see, had great attributes. He was similar to Mark Noble in that he was focused, looked you in the eye and played with a passion, wanted to get better and worked very hard at his game, so we signed him straight away. Who could know at the time what level he’d reach? But he has surpassed all our expectations, so good luck to him.”
Premier League odds and betting tipsMikel Arteta had installed Rice as his No.1 target for this summer months ago and he has invested a lot of time and energy in selling his vision for Arsenal to the England midfielder. He sees Rice as a key component in the Gunners’ engine room and believes that, at 24, the team and the club can grow with the player.
Have your say! Is Declan Rice worth £105million? Let us know in the comments section.
Rice has made 204 appearances in the Premier League already and was a major factor in the Hammers’ charge to Europa Conference League glory last month as well. His leadership qualities are renowned, too, and Arteta knows the player will further add to the steel and winning mentality he is trying to get into the group.
The fact Arsenal have backed their manager to the hilt on the player shows the owners’ commitment to the Spaniard as well. He took them close to winning the Premier League last season, surprising many observers, and even though they couldn’t hold on, the fact they have outbid champions Manchester City for Rice is a sign of their intent.
Arsenal’s moves for Rice and Jurrien Timber this week, as well as their hope to announce new long-term contracts have been signed by William Saliba and Reiss Nelson, will only add to the buzz in the red half of north London. And even though Kai Havertz ’s signing for £65m from Chelsea is an intriguing one given the mixed form he produced in south-west London, there is much room for optimism.
Not so long ago, Germany star Havertz’s compatriot and former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel said there was no limit to what the attacking midfielder could achieve in the game. Arsenal fans will hope that remains the case and believe it to be true not just for Havertz but for Rice, too.