In a recent report, The Guardian stated that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is likely to join Arsenal this summer. It has been claimed that the English talent is open to leaving the Hammers to compete at the highest level and could opt for a move to the North London club at the end of this campaign.
Rice’s Season of Mixed Emotions At The London Stadium
Rice is having a tough season at West Ham as he has struggled to help them be consistent in Premier League football. The English sensation has registered two goals and four assists in 34 appearances for the East London club during this campaign in all competitions.
The London-born midfield ace deserves a lot of credit for averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.2 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been careful when distributing possession from midfield after completing 89.2% of his attempted passes in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the London Stadium is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Thus, the Gunners could potentially land him on the cheap during this upcoming summer transfer period.
Is Declan Rice A Good Option For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Rice can get stuck in with some crunching tackles to make life difficult for the opposition in the middle of the park. He can read the danger well to make some timely interceptions for his side and doesn’t mind clearing his lines when the opposition are on the offensive.
The England international has got the vision to create a few promising chances for others around him and can make some driving runs with the ball from midfield. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also function as a centre-back if needed.
Rice will no doubt enhance the quality of Mikel Arteta’s first XI at Arsenal and could go on to form a solid midfield partnership with Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka at the North London club next season.
At 24, Rice is about to enter his prime in the coming seasons which makes him an excellent ooption for the Gunners to pursue this summer. He has what it takes to help Arsenal challenge for the Premier League title among other top honours over the next few years. Hence, Arteta should focus on giving his best to get a deal over the line for Rice later this year.
