"My hunch really at the moment is Arsenal" - Danny Murphy thinks 24-year-old star will sign for Gunners
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy reckons Arsenal to sign West Ham United captain Declan Rice. The English midfielder seems increasingly likely to leave the London Stadium in the summer.
The Hammers have started the campaign in woeful form and sit 18th in the standings, while the Gunners are flying high at the top. It's unlikely Rice would want to play for a side not competing for Europe, let alone one staring at a potential relegation.
Reports claim that Arsenal have made Rice their top target for the summer, and they hope to beat his former club Chelsea to his signature. He could cost around £80 million.
Murphy has backed Mikel Arteta's side to lure the English midfielder to the Emirates. He thinks the Gunners need to sign a new midfielder to avoid overreliance on Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. He told talkSPORT:
"Arsenal are on the trajectory they’re on, and they have the ambition to move forward and be regular contenders in the Premier League and start playing Champions League football every season, you can’t rely on three midfielders."
Murphy added that he believes Arteta's side would win the race for Rice:
“My hunch really at the moment is Arsenal. I think deep down when you’re from a certain area, you might want to stay around your family who support you."
He added:
“Maybe that Arsenal thing has become much more attractive, and actually what you said at the beginning, he probably looks at that midfield and thinks, ‘I can get in that team comfortably’.”
Declan Rice is the only player in the Premier League with 20+ in the following metrics:
◉ 20+ shots attempted
◉ 20+ chances created
◉ 20+ tackles made
◉ 20+ clearances
◉ 20+ interceptions
And he's won possession more times than any other player in the division. 👍 https://t.co/O5FfFC4F6b
Rice has been West Ham's protagonist for several years and was handed the club captaincy when Mark Noble retired last season. He has featured 25 times across competitions this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
The Englishman was instrumental for the Hammers in their run to the UEFA Europa League semifinals last season. He was released by Chelsea at 14 but has grown into one of the league's top midfield talents.
Bacary Sagna on Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale's performance in Tottenham Hotspur win
The Gunners continued their pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2004 by winning at Tottenham Hotspur in the derby on Sunday (January 15).
Hugo Lloris' own goal and Martin Odegaard's strike secured Arteta's side a first league win at Spurs since 2014. However, it was Ramsdale who shone for the league leaders. Sagna lauded his performance, claiming that the English shot-stopper made a statement. He told FindMyCasino:
‘Ramsdale had a terrific game – he made some vital saves at key moments. The save against Son just after Arsenal had scored was huge, and every time he was called into action and needed to make a presence for himself he did it."
📸| Mikel Arteta and Aaron Ramsdale at London Colney today #afc https://t.co/xeRlTDEFRk
Ramsdale has made 20 appearances, keeping ten clean sheets. He has earned plaudits for his consistency and is an important member of the Gunners side.