Declan Rice playing for West Ham
Reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella has shared an update on Arsenal and their links to West Ham United star Declan Rice.
The Lowdown: Gunners chase midfielder…
The Gunners, amid their chase for a Premier League title, are reliably believed to be after a signing for the midfield era as manager Mikel Arteta searches for possible upgrades.
Reports suggest Brighton and Hove Albion star Moises Caicedo, for example, is ‘one to watch‘ for the rest of this January transfer window.
As well as Caicedo, the north Londoners have been linked to Toffees ace Amadou Onana, yet Rice has also been mentioned as an option for 2023.
The Latest: Rice ‘keen’ to join Arsenal…
Kinsella, writing for The Evening Standard, claim the 24-year-old is ‘keen on a move’ to Arsenal to play under Arteta amid their potential battle with Chelsea to sign midfielders this year.
It’s added there is a ‘growing expectation’ Rice will leave this summer and he has emerged as one of their top targets for the role.
The Verdict: Superstar…
The Irons star could add serious steal to Arteta’s midfield if Arsenal manage to win the race for his signature.
As per WhoScored, the England international matches Thomas Partey for successful tackles per 90 on average and has also made more interceptions per match than any Gunners star.
Out of any Arsenal player who’s featured over 200 league minutes, Rice has a higher pass accuracy (89.4%) than any real regular in Arteta’s side other than mainstay William Saliba (WhoScored).
The Three Lions ace is also homegrown an experienced figurehead in the English top flight, which will undoubtedly attract sporting director Edu and the title-chasers.
Reports also claim Rice could leave for as little as £70 million in the summer – a fee which is arguably very reasonable for a player with real quality and pedigree in the top flight.
Called a ‘superstar‘ and ‘sensational’ by members of the press, this is a deal which Arsenal should undoubtedly make happen later this year.
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