Robbie Earle thinks West Ham United midfielder, Declan Rice, would make Arsenal a ‘better’ team if he were to secure a summer transfer to Mikel Arteta’s side.
The former Wimbledon star defended Declan Rice and added that he has the skill set to make that jump up to a team that could be Premier League champions in May.
The 24-year-old hasn’t helped matters because his West Ham side came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against the Gunners who, once again, dropped points on the road and in their title push.
Over the course of the campaign, Rice has come under stick from legendary figures of the game, including Graeme Souness and Roy Keane.
But Earle was sure to squash those complaints and back West Ham’s captain, including why he would be a ‘brilliant’ signing for the north London club, as he told NBC Sports.
“No, I don’t (go along with Souness and Keane’s criticism of Rice),” said Earle. “He is 24, he will have over 200 Premier League games by the end of the season, plays every week, is durable, mature, captain of the football club and plays with consistency.
“You can pick holes in any great player. Look at Fernandinho. Look at Fabinho or N’Golo Kante. Defensive midfield players, whose numbers aren’t great in goals and assists.
“He is a player that would go into any top-six team, maybe Man City apart, and make them better. He would certainly make Arsenal better. I think with better players around him, who have more possession, then you will see more of Declan Rice – I think he would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal.”
RICE AUDITION
It has been suggested that Rice is ‘very interested’ in moving to Arsenal, well, his audition against that very same team went pretty well.
He was the one who robbed the ball off Thomas Partey which led to West Ham’s penalty being awarded, before the comeback started.
It might cost the Gunners in their title push because Manchester City are seriously breathing down their necks, but it’s a point further to safety for his own West Ham side.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
