Danny Murphy says Declan Rice may have to go on strike to force through Arsenal transfer

Declan Rice may have to go on strike to secure a move away from West Ham, according to Danny Murphy.

The West Ham star has been heavily linked with a move away amid significant interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

4

4

Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all been linked, however it’s Arsenal who are leading the race to sign the 24-year-old midfielder.

The Gunners have already had two offers rejected by West Ham, with a third offer expected to go in shortly.

However with no exit yet sanctioned, former Liverpool star Murphy believes that Rice may have to force the issue to get his way this summer.

Speaking on White And Jordan, Murphy said: “As of now Man City aren’t in – my understanding is they have not committed yet and I’ve heard nothing about Bayern Munich – so Arsenal don’t have to rush.

“And it may get to a point where Declan has got a decision to make – has he got the courage to kick up to get out if he needs to?

“I know he’s not that type of lad but sometimes you have to be Craig Bellamy, Joey Barton – you’ve got to look after yourself.

“I only had it once in my career, but you have to be able to follow through.

“It means you have to make it perfectly clear, ‘If you keep me here I won’t be playing’, and even if you don’t really believe it long-term, you have to do it and make them believe.

4

4

“Is it a professional thing to do? It doesn’t matter. You’ve got to look after yourself.

“The big question mark for Dec is if Man City do come in late, the choice over whether to leave London or not.

“London is his home, it’s where he’s grown up, it’s where his family is, but as a football decision it would be a no-brainer to join the Premier League champions.

“If you had a choice between City and Arsenal, although Arsenal are on a great trajectory, you’d pick City all day long.”