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Verratti backing Chelsea, Arsenal target Rice for West Ham departure

Marco Verratti believes West Ham captain Declan Rice is set for a big move away this summer.

Rice starred for the Three Lions in victory over Italy and was named man of the match after dominating the midfield.

The Hammers man also bagged his third international goal as he opened the scoring with a good finish in the first half.

And after the game, his performance was noticed by PSG star Verratti, who believes that the 24-year-old will get a big move.

He said: “I really like him as a player.

“He provides great balance and shape to the team, and he's got wonderful physical attributes.

“He really helps his team out a lot.

“He's a number six, a defensive midfielder that England really need.

“I'm sure that he will end up at a top side because I've played against him many times, he never gives up.

“He's got a wonderful attitude, and he's still very young so he's got a huge room for improvement."

Rice has been linked with an exit from West Ham over the last couple of seasons, with many top clubs interested in his services.

Arsenal are believed to be his most likely destination with the Gunners planning a summer move, says The Sun.

Chelsea are also in the running to sign Rice as they look to lure him back to the club after originally releasing him as a teenager from the youth academy.

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