If Declan Rice keeps performing well for England and West Ham, he may become one of the most sought-after midfielders in the summer transfer market.
Verratti makes Rice prediction as Chelsea and Arsenal target answers 'harsh' dig
Prior to England's match against Italy, Marco Verratti praised Declan Rice highly and said that the Arsenal and Chelsea target will soon sign with a "big club." The 24-year-old has been extensively linked with an exit from West Ham for some time now as he continues to perform for club and country.
Football.london is aware that Rice is still a top priority for the Gunners despite the signing of Jorginho on deadline day. It's also known that the Blues continue to have the Hammers skipper as a top priority.
Rice has a deal with the London Stadium through 2024, and the east Londoners have the option to extend it by an additional year. The greatest clubs in Europe have expressed interest in the former Chelsea academy prospect, but David Moyes' team are sure that he won't go.
But, Verratti isn't so convinced. In fact, when speaking to the press ahead of Italy's UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against the Three Lions, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder was quite appreciative of Rice.
"Rice? He provides the team with excellent balance, and I truly like him as a player, "As reported by Itasportpress.it, Verratti stated. "He is the No. 6 that England needs, and I am confident that he will join a prestigious team eventually. He still has a lot of room to grow."
Despite the Italian's favorable appraisal, pundits such as Graeme Souness and Roy Keane have been scathing of Rice. A world-class midfielder must be able to defend, create opportunities, and score goals, according to the former Liverpool defender, who claimed the West Ham star can only do one of those things.
It's cruel, Rice remarked. "Since Souness doesn't often watch West Ham, I believe it to be harsh. 60,000 West Ham supporters visit each week to see what I do.
"To say I’m just good at one of three is cruel. But Souness was a star midfielder, and when someone of his caliber speaks, you sometimes have to pay attention and consider how you can get better, if that's the case.
"Roy as well, he’s said some glowing things about me in the past and sometimes some things I can improve as well,” Rice said. You should try not to let it affect you and take everything with a grain of salt."
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