Declan Rice claims Mikel Arteta was the reason he decided to join Arsenal over Chelsea and Manchester City. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
According to journalist Ben Jacobs (h/t Football.London), Arsenal could make a move for long-term Chelsea target Declan Rice in the coming summer transfer window.
We have known the long-standing interest from Chelsea in Rice. The West Ham United midfielder was a youth product in west London before moving to the eastern side of the capital.
Manchester United have also been interested in the England international, who has had a magnificent last couple of years playing for both club and country.
The Hammers boss David Moyes has come out with a defiant message recently, stating that the club won’t roll over and lose their star man, instead they would fight to keep him beyond the summer.
With how well Arsenal are doing in the league this season, they might have a strong case in enticing Rice to sign for them. Mikel Arteta’s men could do with more squad depth next season with possible Champions League football on the horizon.
But, Chelsea should make sure that the competition does not make them behind in the race in this transfer move. They would need a player like Rice in their squad from next season onwards.
The 23-year-old is a defensive midfielder who can play a lone number six or in a double pivot. He has got a great range of passing, reads the game well defensively, is physically strong in challenges and can carry the ball forward as well.
He is, more or less, an all-round package in midfield. Chelsea have lacked intensity and dynamism in their midfield of late. The arrival of Rice can add that and a bit of height in that department too.
We have done well in the January window by signing David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos and Benoit Badiashile so far. We should continue looking to add players now and in the summer. Rice should be one of the first names that should be signed in the summer.
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