Manchester City have pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice and as per the latest reports, Arsenal are on the verge of landing the West Ham United midfielder.
City had tried to stage a coup but it looks like they do not want to overpay for the England international which is why the Etihad outfit have decided not to match Arsenal’s latest bid.
On Tuesday night, Arsenal made an official bid of £100m plus £5m add ons and as things stand, West Ham United are going to agree to this offer. The only thing remaining now is the agreement on the structure of the deal and once that is finalised, Declan Rice will be an Arsenal player.
Fabrizio Romano has updated that the Gunners are hoping to seal the deal within the next two days.
He wrote on Twitter: “Arsenal expect Declan Rice deal to be 100% agreed today or tomorrow — the club is working to get it sealed within 24/48 hours. It’s more than close now.
“All parties discussing on key details as the agreement looks imminent.”
How will Declan Rice help Arsenal get better?
Declan Rice has played close to 250 games for West Ham United’s senior team and in the previous few seasons, the England international has turned himself into one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
In just a short span of time, Rice has become the mainstay in England’s midfield and the 24-year-old will be the perfect upgrade to Granit Xhaka at Arsenal.
During the 22/23 season, he scored five and assisted four goals in 50 appearances for the Hammers and he was one of the main reasons why Moyes’ side was able to win the Conference League.
A player like him deserves to play in the Champions League and at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta will be able to build a midfield around him.
Last season in the Premier League, he won 62% of his attempted challenges and at the same time, he completed 86.5% of his passes. He’s fantastic at protecting the ball and after N’Golo Kante, he’s probably the best at breaking up play as well as quick counterattacks. Xhaka was being used in a more advanced role by Arteta but Rice will be a proper defensive anchor, screening the back four.
Once William Saliba got injured late last season, Arsenal’s defensive frailties came to the forefront but with a player like Declan Rice standing infront of them, the Gunners’ defence will look much more cohesive.
Rice is not only an exceptional player but his leadership qualities will also come in handy for Mikel Arteta’s next season. Arteta has worked wonders at Arsenal but he still lacks a Vieira-like character in his squad and we think Rice can be that man.
As it’s shaping up, the 24-year-old midfielder can turn out to be the signing of the season for the North London club but Mikel Arteta will have to make sure he strengthens the other problematic areas as well because one Declan Rice won’t be able to patch up all the holes.
