MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal are targeting a move for West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice.
The Gunners are still embroiled in a battle for the Premier League title this term but are already looking to bolster their midfield ahead of next season.
The 24-year-old has been excellent for the Hammers recently, only cementing himself further as one of Europe’s finest operators in his position.
West Ham prepare to face Crystal Palace this afternoon with the future of their captain firmly in the balance.
Lacking depth
Mikel Arteta’s squad have proven their quality this season — but it is clearly a group lacking depth in central midfield.
Granit Xhaka was absent for the 3-3 draw with Southampton and Thomas Partey appeared to struggle without the Switzerland international next to him.
Young Belgian Albert Sambi Lokonga was signed to be their understudy but he was loaned out to Crystal Palace in January after struggling to make an impression, only playing 196 minutes in the Premier League for the Gunners this term.
Adding Rice into their midfield pool would also add some end product alongside captain Martin Odegaard’s contributions.
The Hammers skipper has so far contributed three goals and two assists this campaign.
Dreaming big
Rice admitted when on England duty in Qatar last December that he dreams of playing in the Champions League one day.
The 41-cap international confessedL “Yeah, 100 per cent I want to play in the Champions League.
“I’ve been playing consistently well for my club and I feel like I really want to keep pushing.
“I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
“You only get one career and at the end, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
Sheringham praise
Former West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham believes Rice is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing his next club.
Sheringham said: “He can go anywhere. Wherever he goes, he’s going to make that team a better team.
“Maybe Casemiro is in that role at Manchester United now, so perhaps they don’t need him, but he would definitely make Arsenal a better team.
“I don’t like to say it but they’re already good enough this season, and I don’t want to see Declan go there because he will make them a better team. But he could walk into any team.”
Midfield general
West Ham have endured a tough season but Declan Rice has still shone in a struggling side.
The academy graduate has been his club’s most accomplished operator in possession, completing 1,546 passes — a team-high total.
For context, Aaron Cresswell ranks second in the squad for Premier League passes completed with 768. That is less than half as many as Rice.
The England international is equally effective off the ball, too.
He has made an impressive 52 interceptions and 72 tackles, both of which are leading figures in the Hammers’ ranks.
Newcastle interest
It is not a one-horse race for Rice, though. Newcastle have also been linked with a summer bid.
The Magpies’ midfield is already packed full of energy and tenacity but Rice could certainly help take Eddie Howe’s men to the next level.
He has won possession back in the middle third 151 times this term, making him a good stylistic fit for the 45-year-old tactician’s compact and efficient outfit.
With Premier League safety still to be achieved and a Europa Conference League triumph still within reach, Rice must block out the noise for a little while longer yet.
