‘Unbelievable signing for Arsenal’: Sky pundit sends Liverpool and Declan Rice message

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Stephen Warnock has backed West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice to thrive at Arsenal ahead of a possible transfer despite wanting him at Liverpool.

The former Liverpool left-back thinks Declan Rice will be an ‘unbelievable’ signing for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window re-opening.

The England international will have 12 months left to run on his contract in June and Warnock thinks West Ham fans accept that they will lose their star man, as he told The Football Show on Sky Sports.

It’s just a case of how much will the Hammers demand for their captain, who could end his career at the London Stadium with a trophy.

West Ham are in the Europa League Conference League Final, and regardless of what happens, it’s expected to be Rice’s final game for those in Claret and Blue.

Whilst Warnock wants the 24-year-old at Anfield, he admitted that the ‘Champions League player’ could be Arsenal bound.

“He is a Champions League player and he deserves to be playing Champions League football,” said Warnock.

“I think the reason West Ham fans accept it to a certain degree is that he has never shied away and sulked about his position at the club. He never thought ‘I want to get out’ or moaned about it – he has always been respectful towards West Ham and I think they appreciate what he has done for them.

“From the point of view of getting Declan Rice, I think it would be an unbelievable signing for Arsenal. Not sure what the fee would be – you look at him and you think ‘he would thrive in that team’. But I would like him at Liverpool.”

WILL RICE REPLACE PARTEY?

Whilst there is talk of Granit Xhaka possibly leaving Arsenal, there are more surprising rumours emerging from the Emirates.

It’s suggested that Thomas Partey’s time could also be up, after the hard-hitting midfielder dropped off towards the back end of this season. 

Either way, if Rice moves to Arsenal, then he is going straight into the XI and for a team that will make a long-awaited return to the Champions League.