“I think it’s too much” – Martin Keown explains why Arsenal will fail to sign Premier League star
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice would prove to be too expensive for the Gunners.
Rice, 24, has been widely linked with a move away from West Ham in the summer, with his contract expiring in 2024. As per Sky Sports, the Hammers could demand a British record transfer fee of around £120 million for the midfielder.
The Gunners have been linked with a potential move for Rice, who has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. Keown, however, believes his former side are unlikely to be able to spend that big an amount on one player. He told talkSPORT (via the Mirror):
"I think Declan Rice is going to be too expensive for Arsenal, quite frankly. I think he will be too expensive for Liverpool as well who have been in the [UEFA] Champions League now for a number of years.
"He’s a player Arsenal will like but not with those costs involved, I think it’s too much."
He added:
"Looking at Arsenal’s business, I don’t think it’s a route they will go down. I don’t think they’ve got the money, even though the Champions League will bring some more revenue. I don’t see him as a player Arsenal can afford to buy."
Rice has been one of the most impressive players in central midfield in recent times for club and country. He has made 44 appearances for West Ham this season across competitions, leading them to the UEFA Europa Conference League's semi-finals.
He also played a key role in England's run to the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, starting every game at the tournament.
Arsenal looking to offload number of players in the summer
Mikel Arteta's side are preparing to compete in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in six years next season. Firstly, however, they will look to strengthen their squad in the summer.
As per the Mirror, the Gunners are looking to bring in a defender as William Saliba's injury this season caused them a lot of trouble. They have also been linked with a potential move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
The north London side are also looking to offload a number of players to raise funds for new signings. The likes of Nuno Tavares, Nicolas Pepe, and Folarin Balogun are all expected to be sold. The club are also set to receive £6 million as Pablo Mari's move to Monza becomes permanent in the summer.
Reiss Nelson could also be on his way out as he rejected a contract renewal offer from the club.