Paul Merson has said that Arsenal target Declan Rice should leave West Ham United in the summer transfer window, but he does not think that the midfielder is as valuable as Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.
The former Arsenal star has written in The Daily Star that Tottenham and England international striker Kane is worth £100 million, not Rice.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that no club should pay more than £60 million for the 24-year-old England international, who can also operate as a defender and scored against Italy in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier on Thursday evening.
According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are determined to sign Rice from London and Premier League rivals West Ham in the summer of 2023.
The Sun have also claimed that the Gunners want to bring the 24-year-old to the Emirates Stadium.
Paul Merson on Arsenal target Declan Rice
Merson wrote: “I also thought Declan Rice had a very strong game in the middle of the park. The £100million price tag that’s been placed on his head really hasn’t helped him.
“Now his critics are saying ‘well he’s not worth £100m’ and the way that comes across, it’s like he’s not rated when he definitely is. I like Rice, he’s a top player but I think he’s worth closer to £50m or £60m. Kane is what I would consider a £100m player.
“My fellow pundits have said he doesn’t score enough goals but his game isn’t really about that, although I do think he would score more if he played in a more attacking team such as Arsenal. I expect Rice to leave West Ham in the summer, I don’t know who he will join, but it’s time for him to move on.”
HITC Verdict: Summer transfer could happen
In our view, Arsenal could be able to sign Declan Rice from Premier League rivals West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
Now, West Ham are a big and established club in the Premier League, but the Hammers could get relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.
Arsenal could win the Premier League title this season and will have money to spend in the summer transfer window.
Rice is one of the best and most combative midfielders around, and we believe that Arsenal would be a better team with him in it.
It is unlikely that the Hammers will be able to keep hold of Rice, and we think that they will cash in on him.
After all, Rice is becoming too big to stay at the Hammers and fight for relegation.
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