According to a report from Football.London, Arsenal target Declan Rice could be sold for a record-breaking fee in the Premier League. It appears that West Ham United are poised to ask for an unprecedented amount of money for the transfer of Rice this summer, as several of Europe’s leading clubs are vying to secure his signature.
Rice’s Campaign With West Ham United So Far This Season
Rice has experienced a blend of emotions at the London Stadium this season. While he has demonstrated several impressive displays at the heart of West Ham‘s midfield, he has struggled to be as effective in the attacking third. Despite playing 38 matches across all competitions for the Hammers, the London-born player has only scored four goals and provided two assists.
Nevertheless, the talented Englishman has proven to be a dependable performer in the middle of the park, as evidenced by his average of 2.3 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.0 shots, 1.1 key passes, and 0.9 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Additionally, he has been highly accurate with his passing, completing 87.7% of his attempted passes in league football (statistics via whoscored).
His current contract at the East London club is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Hence, Arsenal have a good shot at recruiting him on the cheap later this year.
Could Rice Be a Viable Target for Arsenal?
Rice is a combative central midfielder adept at reading the game and making crucial interceptions to disrupt opponents’ attacks. Additionally, he is reliable at clearing danger when necessary and can contribute effectively to his team’s attacking play through his passing ability.
The Englishman possesses an impressive long-range shot and can also make penetrating runs with the ball from midfield, making him a versatile option for any team.
Adding Rice to Arsenal‘s midfield would bring added grit and toughness under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. Given his ability, he could provide stiff competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka in the starting lineup next season, making him a compelling option for the Gunners to pursue in the upcoming transfer window.
If Rice’s price tag is exceptionally high, the Gunners must weigh whether his addition would be a good investment. They need to consider their budget and determine whether they have the financial resources to afford the transfer fee and any other costs associated with signing him, such as his salary.
