According to The Sun, Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for acquiring Declan Rice’s signature at the end of this season. The West Ham United midfield ace is being speculated to exit the East London club this summer and the Gunners are willing to pay £80 million as a transfer fee to bring him aboard at the Emirates Stadium.
Rice’s Run Of Form With West Ham United
Declan Rice had a slow start to this campaign but has returned to form after producing some dominant displays in the central areas of the field recently. He also has an impressive campaign with England in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The West Ham captain has managed to find the back of the net on one occasion and create two assists over 18 appearances for the Hammers this season.
The Thames-born sensation has performed exceptionally as he has been reliable in the holding midfield positions after averaging 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, and 1.2 key passes per game in the Premier League. He has also been accurate with his ball distribution after completing 90.4% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
What Will He Bring To Arsenal?
Rice remains a key player at West Ham in the midfield department as he adds more quality and brings stability to the central areas. He excels at holding on to the ball and can make brilliant plays by making a few decisive passes down the middle. A player of such calibre would definitely bring more competition in the holding midfield positions at the Emirates Stadium.
The England skipper has also made it known that he would like to play in the UEFA Champions League next season. So an exit would make sense for Rice amid interest from several clubs including those who have a shot at qualifying for the Champions League at the end of this season including Arsenal, who are leading the Premier League with their superb run of form.
Rice’s arrival would add more bite and steel to the Gunners’ midfield department and he could help them compete for major trophies to earn more silverware. Therefore, Arteta has done well to make him a transfer priority next summer.
