Declan Rice Urges Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira to Join West Ham United as €25m Deal Nears Completion

Declan Rice Urges Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira to Join West Ham United as €25m Deal Nears Completion

West Ham United are closing in on a significant summer signing as talks advance for Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder, Fabio Vieira. In a twist that has delighted Hammers supporters, former West Ham captain Declan Rice is reported to have advised his Arsenal teammate to make the move to East London, telling him it would be the “perfect step” for his career.

The deal, believed to be worth around €25 million, is in the final stages of negotiation, with personal terms currently being discussed between Vieira and the club. Sources close to the player indicate that West Ham’s interest has been ongoing for several weeks, but the involvement of Declan Rice has added a personal connection to the move, bridging his former club and his current side.

Rice, who spent eight years at West Ham and captained the club to their famous UEFA Europa Conference League triumph in 2023, is said to have spoken highly of the Hammers to Vieira. He reportedly highlighted the club’s passionate fanbase, the positive atmosphere at the London Stadium, and the opportunity for regular first-team football as key reasons to make the switch.

For West Ham, the potential signing of Vieira would represent a statement of intent. The 24-year-old is known for his technical ability, vision, and creativity in midfield – qualities that David Moyes has been eager to add to his squad. While Vieira’s time at Arsenal has shown flashes of brilliance, consistent opportunities have been limited due to the fierce competition in Mikel Arteta’s midfield.

A move to West Ham could provide the perfect platform for the former Porto man to showcase his talent on a regular basis. The Hammers have been searching for a playmaker who can link the midfield to the attack and provide a creative spark alongside the industrious work rate of players like Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse.

For Vieira, the advice from Rice carries significant weight. The England international knows first-hand what it means to thrive at West Ham and understands how the club nurtures players into stars. His recommendation has reportedly reassured Vieira that the move would not be a step down but rather an opportunity to become a central figure in a Premier League side with European ambitions.

Arsenal, meanwhile, appear open to the sale. With an already packed midfield and further reinforcements being targeted, Vieira’s chances of breaking into the starting XI have been slim. The €25m fee would also represent good business for the Gunners, who are looking to balance their summer spending after several high-profile acquisitions.

West Ham fans have responded with excitement to the rumours, especially given Rice’s involvement in convincing Vieira. Many supporters see it as a symbolic link between their former captain and the club’s future. Social media has been buzzing with speculation, with Hammers fans imagining a midfield that combines Vieira’s creativity with Paquetá’s flair and Ward-Prowse’s set-piece mastery.

Negotiations are understood to be progressing smoothly, with both clubs keen to finalise the deal before the end of the transfer window. Vieira is reportedly enthusiastic about the prospect of joining West Ham and playing regular Premier League football, particularly under a manager like David Moyes, who has a proven record of helping players develop.

If the deal goes through, it will mark another fascinating chapter in West Ham’s summer business as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging both domestically and in Europe. It would also see Declan Rice’s legacy at the club take on a new dimension, with the England star indirectly shaping the next era of West Ham United by helping bring in a talented player to fill a creative role the club has been missing.

For now, West Ham fans will be watching closely as talks continue. Should Fabio Vieira put pen to paper, his arrival would not only strengthen the squad but also serve as a reminder of the strong bonds that exist between former and current players – and how the Hammers’ spirit continues to attract talent from across the Premier League.