Rio Ferdinand has said that he would rather see Manchester United sign Arsenal target Declan Rice over Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly aim to sign Rice next season, but for a fee of £80 million. De Jong, who was linked with a switch to Erik ten Hag’s side last summer is considered as one of the most well-rounded No.8’s in Europe.
However, Rio Ferdinand has said that if given a choice, he would prefer Manchester United to sign the Arsenal-linked Declan Rice over Frenkie de Jong.
Rio Ferdinand says Manchester United should sign Declan Rice over Frenkie de Jong
The Spanish boss at London Colney reportedly believes the West Ham United captain would provide ‘elite’ competition to Thomas Partey, if a transfer went over the line.
While Frenkie de Jong has proven at the highest level that he is indeed one of the very best, Rio Ferdinand has sided with Arsenal target Declan Rice as a superior signing for Manchester United.
“At Manchester United? Declan Rice.”
“I think that Declan Rice could play as an 8 until Casemiro says, ‘thanks, goodbye’, he said on the FIVE YouTube channel.
Arsenal have nothing to be worried about in any case
Whether one rates the England or the Netherlands international is a conversation for another day.
But even if Rio Ferdinand dreams of Manchester United signing Declan Rice instead of Frenkie de Jong, Arsenal are still in the pole position to bring in the former.
The Gunners boast one of the most exciting and rapidly growing footballing projects in the world, as has been vindicated by them being favourites to win the Premier League title.
While Erik ten Hag has done an enviable job at Old Trafford, his side remain miles away from their domestic rivals to win any transfer battle, unless they fork up a higher fee.
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