‘Big favourites’: Commentator drops transfer message to Arsenal fans about Declan Rice

Follow us on Google Discover

Ian Darke says he makes Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ‘big favourites’ to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

The popular football commentator shared how Mikel Arteta has had ‘personal conversations’ with Declan Rice about making the switch across London.

But, of course, a certain Treble-winning team is lurking in the background, as Darke added that he will change his mind about Arsenal and how he will back them to retain Champions League football next season, if they can secure Rice’s signature, as he told ESPN.

The bar has been set by this Arsenal side when they sat at the top of the Premier League table for so long, only to get swooped off their feet towards the end by Manchester City.

A lot of pressure will be on the club from the get-go next season, and at the very least, those high, high levels will need to be maintained.

After previously suggesting that the Gunners might just miss out on a top-four spot for the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, Darke is now changing his mind if Rice is added to their fold.

“Probably, I would (change my mind on Arsenal),” said Darke. “I think one thing Manchester City have got going for them in this whole business, and I don’t think they are favourites because Arsenal have worked very hard on this deal, including Mikel Arteta having personal conversations.

“I still make Arsenal big favourites (to sign Rice) and yes if they do get him, well that does make a difference.”

Arsenal sweating over Rice

It’s pretty obvious, if Rice heads to the Emirates, then he will be guaranteed regular minutes and starts, but that won’t be the case at the Etihad.

There is a certain Rodri standing in his way, and as Kalvin Phillips found out, even when you are ready to play, you will still be warming the bench.

Rice is a ‘top player’, who after winning the Europa Conference League with West Ham, is ready to take his game to the next level, he simply can’t go down the same road as Phillips because it will harm his development.