Owen Hargreaves says Arsenal transfer target Declan Rice ‘deserves the right’ to compete for trophies like Tottenham’s Harry Kane ahead of a possible summer move.
The former England international expects Declan Rice to leave West Ham United amid the way ‘people rumour about Arsenal’.
Come the summer, the Hammers captain will only have 12 months left on his contract, so those in the boardroom have to cash in – Eintracht Frankfurt’s, Djibril Sow has been targeted as a possible replacement.
Whilst Arsenal’s Premier League title charge has slipped away from them, they will be returning to the Champions League next season.
That opens the door for the north London club to sign players like Rice, with Hargreaves speaking about the midfielder’s desire to earn silverware, as he told Premier League Productions (29/04/23 at 11:50 am).
“He’s a super guy,” said Hargreaves. “He’s a diamond and a fabulous player. He’s 24. The experience he already has at this level is remarkable.
“I think he will benefit in a team that plays a little bit more football. This West Ham team is quite functional. But they can only go as far as Declan can carry them. He is so consistent. He is a better passer than people give him credit for and a better overall player. And quicker than people think.
“If you look at the way people rumour about Arsenal and Manchester City. He only has one year left on his deal. You can almost be certain that he will leave this summer. A lot of top managers will be looking at him and thinking ‘that guy will fit into my team’. He seems to be improving every year.
“A bit like Harry Kane. He deserves the right to compete for a trophy. And Declan deserves the right to play in the Champions and I am sure that will be on his mind.”
ARSENAL NEED TO GO UP ANOTHER LEVEL
Of course, many feel that the title is now heading to the Etihad, but that still shouldn’t take away the outstanding season Arsenal have had.
They can’t feel sorry for themselves, and this time next season, they need to be in the same position.
If they are, then they will have that added experience and hunger to win the title, but would players or signings like Rice push them over that line?
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