“SHOCKING U-TURN! Declan Rice’s SECRET Dream to Come HOME to West Ham – Arsenal’s £85M Nightmare Just Got 1000× WORSE!”
West Ham can only look on with envy as Arsenal appear set to achieve success where the Hammers previously suffered an £85m setback with Declan Rice.
Arsenal supporters were quick to mock West Ham United when Declan Rice pushed for a move to the Emirates in a £105 million transfer.
During his final seasons at the London Stadium, West Ham fans had passionately urged their captain to remain, often chanting “10 more years, 10 more years Declan Rice” in the hope he would commit his future to the club.
The chant echoed again when the Hammers faced Arsenal shortly after Rice’s move, but this time it was Gunners fans using it to taunt their London rivals.
Nearly three years later, the sting of Rice’s departure has not completely faded for West Ham supporters.
For a long time, the club struggled to find a suitable replacement for their influential midfielder.
However, many now believe they have finally found one in the talented Mateus Fernandes, whose performances have impressed fans and brought renewed optimism.
Some West Ham supporters have also taken comfort in the fact that Rice has yet to win a major trophy with Arsenal, despite citing silverware ambitions as one of his reasons for leaving east London.
The last major title of his career remains the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy he lifted with West Ham in Prague.
Rice himself still speaks fondly about that triumph. It has also led many fans to wonder what might have happened had he stayed, particularly if the club had built a younger team around him.
Actor and devoted Hammers supporter Danny Dyer, who is also Jarrod Bowen’s father-in-law, recently expressed frustration about Rice’s departure, saying he still believes the midfielder should have stayed.
West Ham’s leadership, however, insist they had little choice. Before his sale, the club reportedly offered Rice a record eight-year contract worth around £85 million, including wages of about £200,000 per week.
The midfielder rejected the offer and prioritised a move to Arsenal over Manchester City.
Now Arsenal are optimistic about extending his stay further, with reports suggesting Rice is happy in north London and discussing a new improved deal.
While some West Ham fans still dream of a future return, it may be many years away. Meanwhile, the £105 million transfer fee remains vital for a club that recently reported record financial losses.
