Jarrod Bowen has broken his silence on Declan Rice leaving West Ham for Arsenal and it may put some noses out of joint amongst his own fans.
Hammers supporters may not be happy with their captain Jarrod Bowen after he finally gave his view on Declan Rice following his defection to Arsenal.
Rice is respected by the majority of West Ham fans but he did burn his bridges with some by pushing to leave for a London rival in the shape of Arsenal rather than joining Man City.
A major bone of contention when it comes to Rice’s move has been the perception of the levels to his game.
Bowen settles big debate over Rice leaving West Ham for Arsenal
There has been a narrative out of Arsenal and in sections of the football press that Rice has only become world-class since leaving West Ham for Arsenal or that he has taken his game to the ‘next level’ with the Gunners.
It is a theory followers of Arsenal love to goad West Ham about, calling the former skipper ‘half price Rice’ but one most Hammers supporters find laughable and with no basis in fact.
How does Mateus Fernandes compare to a young Declan Rice? 🇵🇹
What can he still IMPROVE upon?
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring his side's third goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Sunderland at London Stadium on January 24, 2026 in London, England.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
But now Jarrod Bowen has puts West Ham fans right on Rice over his move to Arsenal.
MORE WEST HAM STORIES
The former Hammers teammates are close friends and have been reunited on England duty.
Declan Rice stares and smirks at West Ham fans who goaded him during Arsenal win
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
There has been intense speculation over Bowen’s West Ham future should they be relegated from the Premier League.
For the first time Bowen has broken his silence on Rice leaving for the Gunners, saying it was sad to see him leave.
And Bowen suggests Hammers fans have got it wrong, insisting Rice has taken his game to the next level with Arsenal.
“Me and Dec don’t get to see each other like we did when he was at West Ham,” Bowen said, as reported by Hammers Hub.
Bowen says Rice has gone to next level at Arsenal
“When we do see each other, it’s at England camp, and it’s 24/7. We miss each other. We got on really well, and it was a sad day when he left.
“When we’re with England, we’re basically joined at the hip, down to breakfast together, coffees together, playing PlayStation together. It’s always good to see him when we’re on camp.
Will Jarrod Bowen make England’s World Cup squad? 🏆
Tell us why in the comments…
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen registered an assist in England's 5-0 win over Latvia
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
“But he’s gone to Arsenal and taken his game to another level, and there are probably even more levels for him to go to. I think he’s really that good.
“He’s not just a teammate, he’s a really good friend, so seeing the success he’s having is great.”
You can't separate Jarrod Bowen and Declan Rice ❤️😂
The two don’t see each other as much now he's left West Ham, but on England duty it’s like nothing’s changed, still inseparable ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/mAWsisN3Xg
— Hammers Hub (@HammersHubWHUFC) March 26, 2026
View Tweet
England v Finland - UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Bowen is entitled to his view and it carries weight given he has shared the pitch with Rice.
But if Rice was not already world class at West Ham then why did the Gunners pay a then record £105m for the former Irons skipper?
Rice earned a reputation as one of the best midfielders around with his performances for club and country while at West Ham.
Of course Rice is going to look even more impressive in a better team, surrounded by better players.
But his actual performances are not markedly better than what he produced for the Hammers, you only need to watch him play to see that.
Mikel Arteta and even Rice himself have distanced themselves from that debate in the past.
Rice told Rio Ferdinand he has been doing for Arsenal exactly what he was for West Ham but now more people are taking notice.
Bowen is not alone in believing Rice has elevated his game under Arteta, though.
Former Hammers boss David Moyes says ‘Arteta has made Rice a top, top player’ as he too waded into that particular debate recently.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox