According to former Arsenal star Paul Merson, Declan Rice is worth nowhere near £100m, and the Gunners should only spend up to £60m to acquire the services of the Englishman.
The 24-year-old rose through the ranks of West Ham United’s youth system before making his professional debut for the club in 2017. Since then, he has amassed over 200 appearances and earned 41 caps for the England national team.
The midfielder is poised to leave his boyhood club in the summer. Although the Hammers are reluctant to part with their star, they are prepared to accept a transfer offer north of £100m.
Merson believes Rice is an excellent player, but the hefty price tag is not justifiable. He thinks the Englishman’s goal tally would increase if he played for an attacking team like Arsenal. While speaking after England’s win over Italy in the Euro qualifiers, the 55-year-old said (via Metro):
“I thought Declan Rice had a very strong game in the middle of the park. The £100 million price tag that’s been placed on his head really hasn’t helped him.”
“Now his critics are saying ‘well he’s not worth £100m’ and the way that comes across, it’s like he’s not rated when he definitely is. I like Rice, he’s a top player but I think he’s worth closer to £50m or £60m. Kane is what I would consider a £100m player.”
“My fellow pundits have said he doesn’t score enough goals but his game isn’t really about that, although I do think he would score more if he played in a more attacking team such as Arsenal. I expect Rice to leave West Ham in the summer, I don’t know who he will join, but it’s time for him to move on.”
Arsenal Fever View:
The Gunners have had a solid midfield pivot of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey this season. They have played a pivotal role in the club’s outstanding form in the Premier League.
However, the duo has entered the latter stages of their career and the Gunners should consider reinforcing their midfield options in the summer transfer window. While Rice would make an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, it is unlikely that the club would shell out £100m for him.
The England international has entered the final year of his contract with Hammers and has expressed his desire to play for a club in the Champions League. Therefore, a price tag of around £70-£80m would be justifiable.
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