As Arsenal prepare to face West Ham United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, West Ham United manager David Moyes is already looking forward to a reunion with his skipper, Declan Rice, who will Olympics Stadium with the Gunners.

Declan Rice moved to Arsenal in the summer in a huge money move from West Ham in a club-record £105m deal. The England midfielder’s move is a record transfer fee between two British clubs as the 24-year-old became Arsenal’s third summer signing with a five-year deal at Arsenal.

Since the move to the Emirates Stadium, Rice has become an integral part of the Gunners team, having played 10 Premier League games and three UEFA Champions League games.

As a return to West Ham looms, West Ham United boss David Moyes is expecting the England midfielder to be welcomed with open arms, especially with what he achieved before leaving the club, especially after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League.

“You’ve got to remember this is the man who lifted this club’s first European trophy in more than 50 years. He should be welcomed back with open arms. We’re all looking forward to seeing him again. He was a brilliant member of the team. He led the team brilliantly well. He conducted himself impeccably as a West Ham captain and as a player. 

“The most important thing was that he gave 100% in every game, even though we sort of knew he probably wasn’t going to stay at West Ham. I’m really looking forward to seeing Dec again. I’ve not seen him since he left. I don’t know if I want him to play, but I hope he’s there.” said Moyes.

West Ham United will hope to bounce back from losing to Everton at the weekend in the Premier League with a win against the Gunners. The Gunners got a 5-0 victory over Sheffield United, with Eddie Nketiah scoring a hattrick.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu