In a recent report, Sky Sports claimed that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for West Ham United star Declan Rice this summer. It has been mentioned that the Gunners could face competition in the form of Manchester City and Manchester United in pursuit of the English sensation in this off-season.
Rice’s Excellent Run Of Form In The English Capital Last Season
Rice experienced a brilliant campaign at the London Stadium after he put in a string of influential performances at the centre of West Ham’s midfield. The 24-year-old scored five goals and grabbed four assists in 50 matches for the Hammers last season across all competitions.
The England international anchored the midfield with conviction for the East London club based on his average of 2.1 shots, 1.7 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in Premier League football. He has even been accurate when distributing possession from midfield as he has completed 88% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the London club will expire in the summer of 2024. Thus, it makes sense for the Gunners to move in for him during this summer transfer window.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Snap Rice Up?
Rice can sense the danger quickly to earn the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He can get stuck in with a lot of crunching tackles to make life tough for the opposition.
The English talent has also got the vision to engineer a few promising chances for his teammates in the opponent’s half and can make a few energetic runs with the ball. However, he needs to find a way to improve his productivity in the final third if he wants to taste more success at the highest level.
At 24, Rice has his best years ahead of him which makes him a dream option for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to consider in this off-season.
The West Ham skipper will undoubtedly enhance the quality of the North London club‘s first XI and could help the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title once again in the coming years. Hence, Arteta should focus on snapping Rice up during this summer transfer period.
