Declan Rice came under the media’s lens when he had a secret meeting with a powerful figure

Yesterday, Arsenal’s Declan Rice was spotted meeting West Ham co-owner Albert “Tripp” Smith. He is the ultimate owner of WHU LLC, which currently owns 8% of West Ham.

American billionaire Smith maintains a close relationship with Rice when the two once stood on the same front line. Smith, a senior executive at private equity firm The Blackstone Group, bought a 10% stake in West Ham in 2017 and is a member of the club’s board of directors.

The meeting took place at the posh Oswald Members Club in London’s Mayfair district. Rice was seen in a black blazer and pants, a navy blue shirt and shiny white shoes. Meanwhile, Smith was seen wearing a blue suit, white shirt and purple tie.

Oswald’s Members’ Club attracted patrons such as Princess Anne, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones and Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece. Other famous patrons are said to include the Beckham family, Boris Johnson, and Conservative Party co-chairman Ben Elliot. Additionally, Prince William is said to have attended a party there during Christmas 2022.

It was founded in 2017 by Robin Birley and is still owned by the British businessman. According to Country & Town House, annual membership fees start from £1,800.

Rice was called up to the latest England squad the other day.