Declan Rice plans to wear number 41 shirt for the rest of his career

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice plans to wear the number 41 shirt for the rest of his club career, regardless of what happens in the future.

The 24-year-old England international continues to be linked with a big-money move this summer, with last season's Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal interested.

So far, Arsenal have had two bids rejected for Rice, according to The Mail, who suggest their latest offer of £75 million plus £15 million in add-ons was turned down.

West Ham, meanwhile, are said to value the player at £100million.

Manchester City are also said to be keen, although they are closing in on a deal to sign midfielder Mateo Kovacic in a deal worth an initial £25 million, which could end their plans.

New reports around Rice's future are surfacing daily but we do know something. If he does leave this summer then the former Chelsea youth product will likely wear his trusty number 41 shirt.

Speaking to The Overlap about his unusual squad number, the "superstitious" Rice explained the origins behind it.

"It was just the number I was given in the academy by the kitman," he said.

"When you are in the under-23s there are the first team squad numbers and then it gets to the higher numbers and I was given 41 when I went to Seattle on my first trip with the first-team. I was just given 41 and it has stayed with me since.

"And to be honest with you I have been having these conversations with my dad, regardless of what happens in my career I may stay with 41."

The midfielder, who made 64 appearances for club and country last season, added: "I just think Rice 41 has a nice ring to it and obviously I have grown up playing in it and I am a bit superstitious with things like that.

"I don't know if I change to a new number if it will hamper my performances, I don't know! Sometimes I think about things like that."

If/when Declan Rice leaves West Ham this summer should the number 41 be retired?

Came through the academy to become one of, if not the best player to pull on a West Ham shirt in the modern era and captained us to our first ever major European trophy.

Thoughts? #whufc pic.twitter.com/VFFbjZO7sO

— Jack Hobbs (@JH_Journalism) June 9, 2023

 At the time of writing, the number 41 shirt is vacant at both Arsenal and Manchester City, meaning there would be no awkward conversations around a possible number swap.

Thoughts on Rice's future? Do you think he should join any of the above, or even stay at West Ham?