The ongoing discussion about Declan Rice’s transfer fee has been reignited by the individual who approved his departure, offering a candid evaluation of Arsenal’s record signing.
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The playful Arsenal chant regarding getting Declan Rice “half price” is now being supported by David Moyes, who asserts that Arsenal got a bargain when they acquired Rice from West Ham, claiming the midfielder is worth significantly more than the £100 million fee agreed.
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Moyes, who coached Rice during his time at West Ham, argues that the Hammers did not fully capitalize on his value despite the significant transfer amount. Ahead of Everton’s upcoming match against Arsenal, he expressed that the valuation did not reflect the player’s true significance or potential.
“I believed Declan was worth £150 million,” Moyes noted. “At that moment it was £100 million, and I felt we didn’t receive adequate compensation at West Ham. We proposed substantial contracts to Declan, yet he chose not to stay.”
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Leaving West Ham as club captain after leading the team to European glory, Rice has solidified his reputation as one of the finest midfielders in the game. The notion that Arsenal overpaid has faded as Rice has proven vital to Mikel Arteta’s squad, earning recognition as one of the top players in his position globally.
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Moyes, now back at Everton, will encounter Rice with a stretched midfield lineup.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is sidelined due to a hamstring injury, and Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are participating in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Everton has gained a boost with the return of Jack Grealish following a hamstring issue, and the recent availability of Merlin Rohl post-hernia surgery. Moyes is considering bringing back Harrison Armstrong from his loan at Preston.
“The possibility is getting increasingly closer,” Moyes commented.
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Moyes maintains regular communication with Rice and has a close rapport with Arteta, whom he managed during Arteta’s tenure at Everton. Nonetheless, he stands firm in his belief that Arsenal secured Rice’s services at a discounted price.
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“I truly meant it when I said that. I thought Declan deserved £150 million. We didn’t get enough for him at West Ham. Despite offering him lucrative contracts, he chose to move on. Thus, the club had to make a decision.
“I still keep in touch with him. Perhaps I’ll give him a bit of banter today!”
Speaking about Arteta, Moyes offered complimentary insights.
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“Mikel has always had a smart approach to football,” he remarked. “He understood his desired style of play and had an excellent background from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, Real Sociedad, and Rangers. He’s also been a bit of a complainer at times!
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“He wanted everything done correctly, and he was an exceptional captain and player for us. Mikel was one of my best acquisitions. He has reached out to me since becoming a manager, often asking for favors. He has taken my players for less than their worth in the past! Mikel is a good lad, and he is doing an incredible job.”