Declan Rice Transfer: Premier League Live: Arsenal’s admiration for West Ham captain Declan Rice is out in the open, as the Gunners remain confident about winning the midfielder race according to Football Insider. The 24-year-old is heavily linked with the North London outfit, as Rice is to enter the final year of his West Ham contract in the summer. Follow Premier League News Updates on InsideSport.IN.
The England international has 230 appearances for West Ham, registering 12 goals and 13 assists, considered one of the best-holding midfielders in the English topflight. West Ham has understood to have accepted Rice will leave in the summer as he has shown no signs of extending his stay with the Hammers. The West Ham hierarchy has some big decisions to make on the 24-year-old’s future.
Arsenal who are fighting for the Premier League title having a comfortable eight points lead at the top has already started planning for the next season as Rice tops their wishlist. Arsenal’s head coach Arteta is said to be a big fan of Rice and views him as an ideal option as the No. 6 or even as a No.8.
However, given his reputation of being considered among the best in his position in the league, Mikel Arteta’s side is to face tough competition from both the Manchester clubs and Chelsea in the transfer window.
Arsenal who are currently in the quest for their first league title since the 2003/04 season, has Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Jorginho, and Mohamed Eleny in the area of midfield. However, in order to maintain their title challenge year and year out, Arsenal needs to avoid what Liverpool missed where their midfielder has declined after their peak leading to the team struggling.
A transfer deal of Rice to Arsenal is anticipated to benefit both parties, as former West Ham striker Andy Caroll tipped the Red North London side as Rice’s ideal destination. Speaking to Metro, he says, ‘I’d like to see Declan at Arsenal, to be honest – I’m not an Arsenal fan but I like the way they’re playing at the minute,’
He added, ‘The way Mikel Arteta has them playing and the young lads coming through – you see the team and the average age is incredible.’
However, West Ham would demand a huge transfer fee for their captain, Hammers manager David Moyes already stated on a regular basis that the prized asset of the London Stadium will have a nine-figure price tag. Moreover, the club have previously rejected Manchester United’s £ 100 million bid in the summer, as the club worths the midfielder around £ 120 million plus bonuses.
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