Kevin Campbell has stated that if he had a choice then he would buy Declan Rice over Jude Bellingham for ‘£100 million’ for Premier League table-toppers Arsenal.
Both midfielders, currently at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with England in Qatar, are highly-sought after stars and there could be the possibility that they secure transfers soon.
But when Arsenal legend Campbell was asked who he would sign between the two, he picked Rice because he thinks he would be ‘perfect’ for Mikel Arteta’s side and be able to naturally fill that Thomas Partey role.
Borussia Dortmund have shown in the past that they are willing to sell their top players, at the right price, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he leaves sooner rather than later.
Whereas West Ham will do everything in their power to keep Rice, but with less than two years remaining on his contract, something has to give somewhere.
Either way, putting a dream scenario on the table, Campbell explained why he’s taking 23-year-old Rice over 19-year-old teenage star Bellingham at the Emirates, as he told the Highbury Squad.
“I truly believe, this is the truth,” said Campbell. “If you are going to pay £100 million, who would you buy? Would you buy Bellingham or would you buy Rice?
“I’d buy Rice. All day long. Bellingham is good and he is younger. But the game Rice has is perfect for what we have or what we are going to need.
“I am thinking he is a natural successor to Thomas Partey, who do things in a different way, but he can control a game himself.
“Many like Bellingham. But if it was £100 million and I had to pick one, then I would pick Rice. I think we have other players there who can do what Bellingham does for us, but there aren’t many that can do what Rice can do.”
ARSENAL’S JANUARY TRANSFER WINDOW
This could be game-changing for Arsenal because of their current position in the Premier League.
Even if they lose their first game upon their return to domestic action on Boxing Day, they will still be sitting top of the tree in England’s top-flight.
But if they want to maintain that position, then who they sign in January could be game-changing, signing a Rice or Bellingham would be impossible given that it’s the middle of the season, but that doesn’t mean Arteta shouldn’t freshen his squad and add some much-needed depth.
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