Arsenal are interested in signing West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice. The England international is currently among the most talented midfielders in the Premier League.
He has been a star performer for the Hammers since breaking into the senior squad during the 2017-18 season. Declan Rice has played 244 games (in all competitions) for the London outfit so far, registering 15 goals and 13 assists. The 24-year-old midfielder was part of the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season 2021-22 and also won the West Ham United Player of the Season on three separate occasions.
Arsenal to open talks with West Ham United for Declan Rice
According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal will submit a bid to sign Declan Rice after the UEFA Europa Conference League final – which will be played between West Ham United and Fiorentina on June 8.
Mikel Arteta wants to bring the England international to the Emirates Stadium as a replacement for Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international is expected to leave the Premier League giants to join Bayer Leverkusen this transfer window.
The Hammers are demanding a transfer fee of close to £100 million(via Manchester Evening News) to sell the England international. Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also interested in securing his services.
What will Declan Rice bring to the Emirates Stadium?
Declan Rice is a versatile footballer who is capable of playing in several positions across midfield and defence. His key strengths are his passing skills and reading of the game, coupled with his ability to find the back of the net from a distance.
His arrival will also add leadership to the Gunners’ squad as he is the current captain of West Ham United.
The England international played 37 league games during the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals and two assists. According to WhoScored, he averaged one shot, one key pass and 2.1 tackles in the league last term.
Gabriel Agbonlahor urges Arsenal to sign Declan Rice
Former Aston Villa attacker Gabriel Agbonlahor has urged Arsenal to beat Manchester United to sign Declan Rice this transfer window. While speaking to the media, he said: “Declan Rice is a must. I don’t care what Man United offer.”
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“I don’t care what anyone else offers, you should offer more. They missed out on Mudryk. It now looks like a good thing. But don’t miss out on Declan Rice.”
