In a recent interview on Youtube, transfer insider Dean Jones mentioned that Arsenal want to recruit West Ham United star Declan Rice. Jones said,
“Declan Rice, obviously the big name they (Arsenal) want to check out early in the window to see what the pricing is going to be around that.
“They’re not just going to pay whatever it takes to get Declan Rice, but they do want him and he’s very interested in going there.”
Rice’s Impressive Run Of Form At The London Stadium This Season
Rice is experiencing a solid campaign at the London Stadium as he has put in a series of impressive displays at the centre of the park despite West Ham’s struggles during this Premier League campaign. The 24-year-old has found the back of the net twice and earned four assists in 37 matches for the Hammers this season on all fronts.
The England international has been a consistent performer in both halves based on his average of 2.2 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.7 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.1 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has even taken care of the ball when interchanging possession with his teammates after completing 88.5% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Get Rice On Board This Summer?
Rice is a good tackler of the ball and can read the danger well to secure the ball back for his team in the middle of the park. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when needed and is a good passer of the ball as well.
The England international can even strike the ball purely from long range and remains a decent dribbler with the ball. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also fill in as a central defender if asked to do so.
We can expect Rice to add more bite and steel to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s midfield department and help the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title once again next season.
Rice would also serve as an upgrade over Granit Xhaka who will have just one year remaining in his contract at Arsenal. At 24, he has his best years ahead of him, so Arteta should think about getting him on board soon.
