Arsenal are increasingly confident of signing West Ham United’s Declan Rice and have received glowing reports about his leadership.
Arsenal confident on leader Declan Rice
That’s according to The London Evening Standard, who claim that Arsenal are an ‘attractive project’ to Rice.
It’s even suggested that Arsenal did consider trying to sign Rice in January but West Ham wouldn’t do a deal.
West Ham seem to accept that Rice will be on the move this summer though.
Chelsea remain keen on Rice but a return to his boyhood club now doesn’t look likely.
Arsenal could be the destination for Rice and they seem to absolutely love him.
The report claims that Arsenal have ‘glowing references’ about Rice’s work ethic and leadership abilities.
The belief is that Rice will be a perfect fit for the Gunners both on and off the pitch, suiting the culture under Mikel Arteta.
Where would Rice play for the Gunners?
Rice will likely cost around £80million this summer according to a report from The Times in February.
That’s an enormous price tag for Arsenal to pay but the Gunners seemingly think Rice is absolutely worth it.
Rice has so much ability that he could play in a double of different roles under Mikel Arteta.
Rice has experience of playing as a holding midfield player and he may be able to slot into Thomas Partey’s role when needed.
The 24-year-old’s history as a centre back gives him that defensive ability in front of the back four whilst still being able to carry the ball forward.
Rice has though shown great ability going forward and Granit Xhaka’s transformation under Arteta means the West Ham star could play in that role too.
That flexibility will be so important to Arteta and he may even see Rice as a future Arsenal captain given that leadership ability.
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