Jason McAteer says he has ‘more respect’ for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice for how he is conducting himself as Moises Caicedo tries to force a transfer to Arsenal.
The former Liverpool midfielder isn’t happy with the behaviour of the Brighton midfielder, as well as how Leandro Trossard pushed through a move to Arsenal and Anthony Gordon’s actions prior to joining Newcastle United from Everton.
It’s been well-documented that Mikel Arteta wants Caicedo on his books, and whilst it’s looking likely that he will miss out, the player did go public and express his desire to leave the Amex Stadium this month.
All of this would have come weeks before he watched Leandro Trossard have a falling out with Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, before moving to the Emirates.
Over on Merseyside, Gordon missed a number of training sessions before he signed on the dotted line for Newcastle, whilst many don’t like it, all of this is the norm in the game.
Nonetheless, McAteer used Rice as an example when talking about Arsenal possibly signing Caicedo, as he told beIN SPORTS.
“What has Declan Rice done, he has stayed for the cause, hasn’t he?!” said McAteer. “He could have gone. I have more respect for Declan Rice than for Trossard, Caicedo and Anthony Gordon.
“There is a manner in which you should hold yourself. That agent is going ‘there is a £60 million deal on the table from Arsenal and £5 million from me. Why don’t you tweet this, it will get you out of the football club. The next thing you can do is down tools and tell everyone you aren’t going to play’.”
WHO WILL ARSENAL SIGN?
The clock is ticking before the January transfer window slams shut and Arsenal are looking for that defensive-minded midfielder.
Will there be a late twist in the Caicedo deal? Will a surprise name emerge from somewhere? Could it possibly be Leicester City playmaker Youri Tielemans or Chelsea’s Jorginho?
Either way, Edu Gaspar is going to have a sleepless night because if that number six doesn’t arrive before the deadline, then fans will seriously worry.
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