Danny Murphy has now urged Arsenal to seal a transfer with West Ham United for Declan Rice. He believes the Irons captain would be ‘perfect’ to improve Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
The 24-year-old has emerged as a leading target of the Gunners as Emirates Stadium chiefs look toward the summer market. Rice will have just a year left on his £60k-a-week contract at the London Stadium this June. Although his deal does includes an optional further year.
West Ham tried to extend Rice’s commitment to the east London club last summer but he snubbed their advances. Sky Sports reported he rejected a £200k-a-week offer that would have also made the 39-cap England star their highest-paid player in the Hammers’ history.
Arsenal are growing in confidence for Rice’s transfer from West Ham
Now, The Times reports Arsenal have made West Ham captain Rice their top target for the summer transfer window. The north London team are also growing in confidence that they can beat out interest from Chelsea in his services. Manchester United may also eye a deal.
The Irons will consider selling Rice this year, too, if he does not extend his contract. Yet the London Stadium side will demand £80m for the former Blues prospect, who is keen to play Champions League football. Arsenal will only sign Rice if the fee fits in their transfer plans.
Arteta has marked Rice as his top target for the 2023 summer sales
Further reports by The Guardian also cite Arsenal’s interest in Rice’s possible transfer from West Ham this summer. It also notes the Gunners’ optimism in signing the midfielder after Arteta marked the England ace as his top target. Rice is open to joining the Gunners, too.
Arsenal have even already indicated to Rice how he would fit into Arteta’s plans should he move to north London. The Emirates Stadium is currently the most likely land spot for Rice if he leaves the Hammers, too. But Chelsea and Manchester United remain keen admirers.
Murphy believes Arsenal’s interest in Rice would hand Arteta the perfect midfielder with a transfer from West Ham. He believes the 6 ft 2 anchor has the skillset to slot into their side and potentially remain a key player at the Emirates for the rest of the 24-year-old’s career.
“I think that would be a huge, huge move for Arsenal,” Murphy told talkSPORT. “You’re not just getting a wonderful midfielder who would be there for the rest of his career, maybe, if they carry on, you’re also getting an English one who fans can relate to.
“They know he can do it in the Premier League. He’s going to get better and I think he’ll get more of a platform to score goals. I think that would be the perfect type for Arsenal because they are heavily reliant on Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.”
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