Craig Burley says it would be a ‘huge problem’ to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal if they lose West Ham United captain Declan Rice to Manchester City or Manchester United.
During this past week, the transfer race for Declan Rice has taken a few twists and turns, as Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City prove to be Arsenal’s biggest threat for the 24-year-old’s signature.
If Arsenal can get this deal over the line, then former Scotland international Burley added that it would be ‘big’ for the north London club, as he told ESPN.
The latest news in this Rice transfer saga is that the player himself is ‘open’ to making a switch to the Etihad or the Emirates this summer.
Whilst that is bubbling on in the background, Manchester United are trying to make their own deal, with suggestions that they are offering West Ham, Scott McTominay, in order to sign Rice.
This looks like a deal or transfer story that is going to drag on and on, perhaps for the next month or so, with Burley making it clear that Arsenal simply have to secure his signature.
“I went for Declan Rice to Arsenal (as my dream transfer),” said Burley. “I think if Arsenal miss out on him, then that’s a huge problem, particularly if he goes to Man City or maybe even Man United.
“I think that’s a concern for the player, that if he goes to Man City, then his game time (will reduce). Do you play him before Rodri? He’s a better player than Kalvin Phillips, who is a good player. I think if he goes to Man City, then it’s an element of risk for him and Arsenal’s need is more.
“I think if Arsenal get Declan Rice and they sell Partey, who was good for 70% of the season, and they have Jorginho as a back-up – if they get Declan Rice, then it’s a big get for them.”
‘World class’ Rice
Over the recent international fixtures, Manchester United defender Luke Shaw shared how he would love a player like Rice and Harry Kane at Old Trafford, as he dubbed the hard-hitting midfielder as ‘world class’.
In truth, Rice isn’t at that level yet. He needs to showcase and prove his worth on the Champions League stage, before he can talk that talk, as well as winning titles.
Luckily for him, whether it’s Arsenal, Man City or Man United, whatever clubs he joins will be in the Champions League and wanting to win the title next season, so it will answer those questions.
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