Declan Rice has sent an emotional message to West Ham supporters following the UEFA Europa Conference League win. The Hammers defeated Fiorentina 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp Jarrod Bowen winner in Prague on Wednesday night.
The triumph in Prague was the first time the east Londoners' have lifted a trophy in over 40 years but could very well be the final time Rice represents the club. The midfielder has been strongly linked with a big-money move away from the London Stadium this summer, with Arsenal the favourites to secure his signature over Manchester United and Bayern Munich,
football.london understands that a bid in the region of £90million is due from the Gunners following the conclusion of West Ham's European endeavour. The 24-year-old has been the priority target of the club, but football.london understands that the club feel the decision will ultimately come down to the player himself.
Rice hasn't seemed to let the noise surrounding his future affect his celebrations in recent days. The England international was emotional on the field on Wednesday night after the final whistle before being at the centre of the Hammers' parade around London on Thursday.
However, following David Sullivan's admission that Rice will leave the club this summer, the midfielder has thanked fans for their support in Prague and London after thousands turned up around Stratford to celebrate the club's triumph.
Writing on Twitter, he wrote: "Speechless... West Ham fans I have run out of words for you. Thank you that parade was truly special."
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Arsenal are now expected to push ahead with their plan to sign Rice. Since football.london revealed their interest back in January, a price close to £100m has been mooted.
However, the north Londoners are hopeful that a deal can be struck below the triple-million-pound levels. football.london understands this is to lower the pressure and expectation on Rice, who will become the club's record signing should he sign.
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