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Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, Transfers, West Ham United, Football, Mikel Arteta
Joe Adams
Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, Transfers, West Ham United, Football, Mikel Arteta
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has 'raved' about Arsenal to his teammates, according to reports.
Arsenal are leading the Premier League title race, having created a six-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
While the Gunners have played some attractive football along the way, scoring a whopping 72 goals league goals, shared fairly evenly throughout their attack.
However, supporters aren't the only ones enjoying the show, after it was revealed that West Ham midfielder Rice has been celebrating their success from afar.
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The 24-year-old will be eager to impress when the two sides meet on Sunday, as West Ham look to put a dent in Arsenal's title ambitions at the London Stadium.
Rice has emerged as Mikel Arteta's priority transfer target this summer, with the Spaniard seeking to strengthen his midfield in preparation for a busy European schedule next season.
Meanwhile, Rice is thought to want a move away from West Ham, having turned down multiple contract extensions in order to pursue his dream to play in the Champions League.
The Emirates is reportedly his most likely destination, though Chelsea and Manchester United are both thought to be keen on signing the England international.
But in a fresh boost for Arteta, journalist Miguel Delaney has revealed that Rice 'admires' the way Arsenal play.
Delaney told The Independent: "Rice is meanwhile said to be a particular admirer of how Arsenal play, seeing that as one of the best approaches in European football right now.
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"He has raved about them while watching them with the rest of the West Ham squad. That would make any signing all the more ideal, especially as opportunities are limited elsewhere."
Delaney also lifted the lid on Rice's personal reasons for a move, stating that he is keen to join his England teammates and play for an elite club next season.
"Rice, for his part, has realised it is probably time to move forward with his career – even if that isn’t completely certain," added Delaney.
"He likes Moyes on a personal level and has generally enjoyed his management, but there has naturally been frustration at how the club have gone backwards. West Ham aren’t always the most progressive in attack, either.
"Many of Rice’s best friends in football – and particularly those from the England squad – are meanwhile all at elite clubs. The discussions in those meets naturally have an effect. He is the one nowhere near the top end."