Arsenal prepare to host Everton on December 20, 2025. The former West Ham boss David Moyes has reignited debate over one of the Premier League’s landmark transfers. It inlcudes the magnificent Declan Rice. The Scottish is now steering Everton. According to him, the Gunners undervalued Declan Rice when they grabbed him up for £105 million in 2023. He claims the England midfielder was worth a staggering £150 million.
Moyes’ Bold Valuation
David Moyes guided West Ham to Europa Conference League glory in 2023 before Rice’s departure. However, he didn’t cut up words in his pre-match presser. “I thought Declan was £150m,” he revealed. “At the time it was £100m and I thought we didn’t get enough at West Ham.” He even cheekily told Arsenal fans they “still owe us £50m,” highlighting Rice’s seamless addition into Mikel Arteta‘s high-pressing machine. Under Moyes’ tuition, Rice evolved from academy prospect to defensive colossus, captaining the Hammers through turbulent times.
🗣️David Moyes actually thinks #Arsenal got Declan Rice for half price: “I thought Declan was £150m. At the time it was £100m and I thought we didn’t get enough at West Ham. We had offered Declan huge contracts but we couldn’t get him to stay.” 💰 pic.twitter.com/5Ce2kvpYl6
— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) December 20, 2025
Rice’s Transformative Impact at Arsenal
Since joining, Rice has been a foundation of Arsenal’s resurgence. He has anchored midfield alongside Martin Ødegaard and contributing to back-to-back second-place finishes. This season, his versatility shines: 12 goal involvements in 18 starts, plus on point passing that fuels Arsenal’s title push. Arteta has lauded him as “irreplaceable,” crediting Rice for the squad’s tactical maturity. Moyes’ approval validates the deal’s intelligence. Moreover, Rice’s market value now circles near £200 million amid England’s Euro 2024 heroics.
Echoes of Transfer Sagas
Moyes’ comments stir memories of harsh exits, like Rice’s boycott of West Ham’s pre-season tour amid stalled talks. Yet, he harbors no bitterness: “We had offered Declan huge money to stay.” For Arsenal, it’s vindication; for Moyes, a parting shot laced with pride. As Goodison Park awaits, Rice faces his old mentor—proof that some bargains age like fine wine.
As featured on GoonerNews.com