Declan Rice responds to Lucas Paqueta's private message
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(Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Wed 17 September 2025 11:45, UK
Declan Rice has continued to interact with his former West Ham United teammates more than two years on from leaving the club.
The 26-year-old helped Arsenal defeat Athletic Club 2-0 in their opening Champions League game on Tuesday, 16 September.
Meanwhile, the midfielder’s former club have suffered three defeats from their first four Premier League games this term, so they must earn a positive result against London rivals Crystal Palace on Saturday, 20 September.
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that West Ham will have no shortage of applicants if they choose to sack boss Graham Potter amid their poor form.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
As pressure continues to mount on Potter, West Ham have set their sights on Nuno Espirito Santo, who was recently sacked by Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Irons star man Paqueta took to Instagram on Tuesday, 16 September, to share photos with his wife captioned: “Us.”
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The 28-year-old’s message attracted a like from Rice, who is set to feature for Arsenal in their upcoming clash with Manchester City on Sunday, 21 September.
West Ham endured a tough campaign last term, finishing 14th in the Premier League, while Paqueta awaited the result of his FA hearing regarding spot-fixing allegations.
Lucas Paqueta statsPremier League 2025/26Appearances4Goals2Assists0Paqueta has performed well this term
Since being cleared of the charges, the playmaker has returned to form, scoring in a 5-1 defeat to Chelsea last month, as well as a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
The Brazil international, who scored for his national team against Chile in a recent World Cup qualifier, has what it takes to fire West Ham to a vital victory over Crystal Palace on 20 September.
If the Hammers defeat the Eagles, it will alleviate some of the pressure on Potter, although his team must also defeat Everton on 29 September.
The Toffees have established strong form in recent weeks, but West Ham have to defeat opponents like David Moyes’ men to avoid a desperate scramble against relegation.
Meanwhile, football commentator Ian Darke has backed Lukasz Fabianski to start for the Hammers ahead of fellow goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in a West Ham Zone exclusive.