Stephen Warnock has spoken about Arsenal’s transfer interest in Declan Rice and how he is someone who can play in ‘any position’.
The former left-back added that the West Ham United midfielder is ‘durable’ in his work and someone that is ‘tactically brilliant’.
This isn’t the best season of Declan Rice’s career because he has been involved in a relegation fight for most of it under David Moyes.
But, in recent months, the 24-year-old’s form has started to pick up and it has pushed the Hammers away from danger in the Premier League.
It has allowed them to rest easy in their quest to win the Europa Conference League ahead of their clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.
But, come the end of the season, Warnock thinks Rice needs to be playing for a club in the Champions League, as he spoke about Arsenal’s interest in the player on The Football Show on Sky Sports.
“He needs to be playing Champions League football,” said Warnock. “He is an outstanding footballer.
“It looks like, whether it’s Arsenal maybe, they have been touted as the team that’s interested in buying him.
“But, whoever gets him, is buying somebody that’s durable. Tactically brilliant. Adaptable in where he plays. You can literally play him in any midfield position. You can play him at centre-back. Right-back.
“He would be so comfortable in any position playing for your team. You are buying a player that can play in a number of positions and probably be the best player on the pitch in those positions. I think he is phenomenal. I think he will get better and better.”
RICE TO REPLACE XHAKA?
There is talk that Granit Xhaka could be heading for a surprise exit in the summer, if that’s the case, then it opens up a door in the midfield.
From Mohamed Elneny, who has recently returned from injury, to summer signing Fabio Vieira, they don’t have the minerals to replace the former captain if he does leave.
Therefore, Mikel Arteta might need to dip into the transfer market, which opens up the door for Rice to move across London in the summer.
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