Former West Ham United star ‘would understand’ Arsenal move as Gunners striker ‘nears summer decision’

Former West Ham United striker Tony Cottee can understand why Arsenal transfer target Declan Rice may leave the Hammers this summer.

The England star has consistently been linked with a move away from the London Stadium over the last two season after impressing at Premier League and international level. His performances during England’s run to the final of Euro 2020 only heightened the expectation Rice would earn a big money move to one of European football’s biggest clubs.

Despite the increased speculation, the midfielder has remained a key part of David Moyes’ side - but West Ham’s struggles in the Premier League and their inability to deliver silverware could mean Rice will depart this summer and Cottee believes no West Ham fan would begrudge him that move.

He told The Sun: “When you don’t win things, it is hard, and the money side is not easy either. If West Ham had a successful team that was winning things, Declan wouldn’t be leaving.

“There would be no reason to leave. He will leave this summer. I said all along that the moment they lost to Frankfurt in the Europa League semi-final last season was the moment Declan knew he needed to leave.

“If they had won that and won the Europa League and got into the Champions League, why would he leave? Now we are at the stage where Rice is in the prime of his career and wants to play Champions League football. As long as his exit is handled correctly, and I think it will be because he is a really good lad leading in the right way, I don’t think any West Ham fan would begrudge him.”

Loan decision could mean striker return

Ligue 1 club Reims are not expecting Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun to sign a permanent deal as he continues to impress during a loan spell in France.

The 21-year-old has scored 16 goals and provided two assists in 25 appearances in all competitions after making a season-long loan move to the Stade Auguste-Delaune in August. Reims president Jean-Pierre Caillot has admitted his club will try to secure a deal to retain the striker but believes Balogun will ‘make a step up’ next season.

He told France Bleu: “Obviously, we’ll ask the question to his club (about another loan), we know he feels good here, but today, I think he will make a step up. We are already working on the ‘next Balogun’ for the day he leaves the club. But hey, if he and his club agree to do another year at Stade de Reims, we will do everything to make it happen.”