The Times say Arsenal want to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice in an £80million deal in the summer with the Gunners making him a priority – and Gabby Agbonlahor says he if was Rice, he would choose to move to the Gunners.
Rice, 24, has become iconic at his young age at West Ham. Replacing Mark Noble as club captain in the summer, the midfielder has clocked up 220 appearances for the Hammers already. The “phenomenal” star’s deal ends in June 2024.
The Guardian says Rice, who played for Chelsea alongside best mate Mason Mount in the Blues academy before West Ham, say Chelsea are also keen. But with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, he is being touted an £80m target.
Speaking on TalkSPORT on Wednesday (9.40AM), Agbonlahor says that if he was in Rice’s position – he would want to join Arsenal above any of the Gunners’ transfer rivals. That is because they will have Champions League football.
“If I’m Declan Rice, I’m choosing Arsenal. The way Arsenal are going – does he start? No. But, they will have Champions League, different competitions and the way they are going. If he gets himself into the side, he will stay there”.
Agbonlahor says if was Rice he would choose Arsenal move
It it is a bit of a surprise link. Many believed that Rice would eventually move to Chelsea. Manchester City bought Kalvin Phillips in the summer, Manchester United have signed Casemiro. Liverpool are likely to get Jude Bellingham.
There is no chance Rice would swap West Ham for Tottenham, not least because Spurs will not pay £80million. So, the only other alternative is Arsenal. The chance to stay in London like he would at Chelsea. Arsenal are now interested.
With the Gunners clearly a level above Chelsea as things stand, you would suggest that Champions League football is nailed on. A move back to Chelsea may pull at Rice’s heart strings but from a career view, he needs to join Arsenal.
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