Whilst their Norwegian captain shone this season, Declan Rice could make him even better.
Arsenalare seemingly closing in on their top target for the summer, in a move that could revolutionise the wayMikel Artetasets his team up.
What’s the latest on Declan Rice to Arsenal?
That’s according to Daily Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, who offered his verdict on the Gunners’ pursuit ofDeclan Rice.
TheWest Ham Unitedmidfielder has been along-termtarget of the north London outfit, seeking to find an upgrade to theoutgoingGranit Xhaka.
Speaking on theBBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast, he claimed:
“Arsenal are supposedly, and have been quite like Real Madrid with Bellingham, they’ve supposedly got this Ԁєɑł verbally agreed with somebody that he’ll come to Arsenal, but West Ham are being sensible, they realise he won’t sign a new contract and they’re trying to maximise what they will get for him and I’ve heard them looking for as much as £150m for him.”
Whilst this kind of ludicrous fee might seem unlikely,David Moyeshad suggestedin February that any move would have to surpass the British transfer record set in January, as Chelsea spent£106.8mto sign Enzo Fernandez.
Therefore, the ɾєρօɾτed£100mfee is a more likely indicator of the price, perhaps just rising above.
Could Declan Rice improve Martin Odegaard?
This kind of high-profile acquisition will rightly get fɑɴȿ excited for what he alone can bring to the Emirates, his role as a defensive midfielder means that what he will offer his teammates is arguably an even brighter proposition.
The 24-year-old talent has enjoyed a fine personal campaign, and whilst creativity has been seeping into his game, he largely remains a facilitator for his offensive allies to thrive, as someone keen to do the dirty work.
As such, althoughMartin Odegaardhas enjoyed his best season in north London, with his7.35rating the highest of his previous two years, he could reach new heights after the summer given the security that someone of Rice’s quality provides.
Their Norwegian maestro posted15goals andeightassists in the recently-concluded season, starring at the heart of Arteta’s free-flowing philosophy.
Backed up by the likes of Xhaka and Thomas Partey, the£115k-per-weekmaestro was given the creative freedom he needed to achieve such success.
By now adding such an “outstanding” footballer behind him instead, in the eyes of Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison, the sky really is the limit.
After all, in a term where he recorded a 7.19 average rating, he also maintained one key pass, 1.7 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and 1.5 clearances per game, viaSofascore. For comparison, their Ghanaian midfielder saw his interceptions drop to0.8per game, and histhreegoal contributions were doubled by thesixRice posted.
Even Xhaka, who enjoyed a standout final year at the club, saw his7.05average rating reach nowhere near the levels of his potential successor.
The Hammers’ main man has everything needed to be a true stalwart under Arteta, with that touch of class that perhaps sets him apart from the 29-year-old powerhouse.
Therefore, both creatively and defensively, his exploits can help supply Odegaard with more of the ball in key areas, and with more space to do his damage.
Next season could be scary with these two on the same side.
