Dean Jones says Arsenal want Chelsea’s Declan Rice in the summer. ‘Above anything else’, the Gunners will pursue the Englishman.
The West Ham United midfielder has only scored four goals in 27 appearances this season.
The Hammers are suffering. David Moyes’ squad sits 17th on 19 points, narrowly above the relegation zone on goal difference.
The Athletic reports that the English international wants to quit the club after rejecting three contract offers in the last 18 months of his deal. Chelsea and Arsenal want him.
Arsenal may chase Rice, who wants Champions League football, after their strong start. Rice is the Gunners’ top summer transfer target.
Jones (GiveMeSport):
“The Declan Rice interest is quite serious, I’m told, I was really sceptical about the legitimacy of that report at first but I’ve checked it out multiple times with different sources and they are absolutely going to try to sign him.”
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Declan Rice is their favourite.
After missing out on Moises Caicedo in January, Rice would strengthen Arsenal’s midfield.
Arsenal and Chelsea warned Declan Rice’s situation could change.
After being linked to Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, former Liverpool player Graeme Souness warned Arsenal and Chelsea that Rice’s natural position may alter.
The Gunners believe they can sign the England international for roughly £100 million.
Souness believes Rice may switch from midfield to defence. He told Daily Mail:
“He’s the nation’s top defender. He’s agile. He covers a lot of ground quickly and thwarts West Ham’s threats.”
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“Rice is lacking in the other two crucial central midfield roles. Considering such, he’s not the best in that position.”
