‘Looks like he’s going to go’: Legend who played with £80m Arsenal target says he is exit-bound

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James Collins has said that it looks likely that Arsenal-linked Declan Rice is set to leave West Ham United in a summer transfer.

The Hammers hero went on talkSPORT to make this claim on Thursday, as a report on Friday has claimed that a deal is nearing completion.

Considering James Collins and Arsenal-linked midfielder Declan Rice shared a dressing room together at West Ham United for a number of years, it is interesting to hear from the former that an exit seems likely.

James Collins says Arsenal-linked Declan Rice looks destined for a transfer

A claim was made last Friday that if Mikel Arteta’s side signed the 24-year-old, the deal would cost as much as £80 million, as per Football Transfers in May.

The England international has been touted with a move to the Emirates Stadium for the past couple of months, especially with Granit Xhaka looking likely to leave in the summer.

James Collins, who played with Arsenal target Declan Rice has openly admitted that a transfer from West Ham may be on the horizon for him.

“It looks like Dec’s going to go. From knowing the lad and being a West Ham supporter now, it’s probably the right time for him to go. As long as the club can get it done where it suits Dec and it suits the club, and say David Moyes is given the money; he’s been an incredible servant to West Ham.”

“For both the club and Dec, if the right move comes about, it looks like he’s going to go and like he said, hopefully, it can finish with a trophy.”

Arsenal fans should be buzzing if the Declan Rice deal is done

If James Collins is proven right and Declan Rice to Arsenal seems inevitable, that would be one hell of a transfer.

While Rice is adept technically, he may need Arteta’s guidance to take him to the next level in possession, especially when operating in defensive midfield.

However, the Englishman would bring a lot to the table from the get-go with his powerful ball-carrying ability, knack for winning the ball anywhere and everywhere on the pitch and top-level coverage in two positions.

Especially for the price that has been quoted, this could be a deal that is viewed as a bargain in a few years’ time.