Arsenal MUST NOT let Man City beat them to Declan Rice
West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice looks on during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Manchester United at the London Stadium, in London on May 7, 2023. (Photo by Ian Kington / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)
Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal is being worked on. Arsenal on Thursday invited the Hammers to the negotiation table with an £80 million plus a 10 million add-ons bid. The Hammers, as expected, rejected the offer.
There’s talk that Arsenal are returning with a £100 million bid for the 24-year-old. The Gunners’ determination to complete the deal may be to not lose their top target to Manchester City, who’s also entered the transfer race. Man City shouldn’t be allowed to recruit the West Ham midfield engine; they could be “untouchable”.
Former Liverpool star Stephen Warnock argues that the worst thing that could happen for other teams with ambitions to lift the PL is Man City landing Rice, whom he sees ruling the league for the next ten years. Warnock is so opposed to Rice moving to the Etihad that he is advising Jurgen Klopp to try to recruit him.
“If Man City get Rice, it’s all over again,” he said as quoted by Liverpool Echo, about next season’s Premier League title race. “I cannot believe LFC are not being mentioned for him.
“A lot of money, but he’s gonna be there for 10 years or more! Knows the league, been a standout in the league for past few seasons, and is only improving. Imagine him under Klopp!”
It is unlikely Liverpool will enter the race for Rice, but even so, Warnock has a point. Arteta shouldn’t allow his top target to join Manchester City if his team wants to be better than the Citizens.
