Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly spoken directly to West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has told GiveMeSport that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken directly with Declan Rice in order to convince him to move from West Ham United in the summer transfer window.
Galetti has said that Arsenal are leading the race for the £60,000-a-week (The Daily Star) England international midfielder.
The journalist said: “Arsenal still remain in pole position for Declan Rice. They’ve had numerous contacts with the player. Even Arteta has spoken directly with him. It’s put the Gunners in a privileged position.
“However, they have not yet explored the economic aspect, either with the player or West Ham, who, until the end of the season, have no intention to be involved in advanced talks with any club.”
How will Declan Rice fit in at Arsenal?
In our view, Declan Rice would make Arsenal a better and stronger team in the middle of the park.
The 24-year-old is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and has been superb for West Ham United over the years.
We believe that Rice, who is a regular for England, could start alongside Thomas Partey in defensive midfielder for Arsenal in the coming years.
Both Partey and Rice are very combative midfielders, and having the two of them together in central midfield would make Arsenal defensively better and more solid.
Rice is only 24 now, and under Arteta, the midfielder could improve and develop his game even further.
Although Rice is a holding midfielder, he could develop into a more attacking player from the middle of the park.
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