Declan Rice's transfer to Arsenal labelled a "bargain" despite £105m fee

Legendary French midfielder Emmanuel Petit may divide opinion following his comments suggesting that Declan Rice's imminent move to Arsenal is a "bargain" despite the huge transfer fee.

The Gunners are set to pay West Ham £105 million for Rice this summer, with the club willing to break the bank in order to land their No.1 target.

The 24-year-old underwent a medical at London Colney yesterday alongside Jurrien Timber, with the club expected to announce both signings in the coming days.

Former Arsenal midfielder Petit has heaped praise on Rice, waxing lyrical about his "leadership qualities" and "winning mentality".

Petit even suggested the £105m fee the north Londoners will pay for Rice, which smashes their club-record £72m fee Arsenal paid for Nicolas Pepe in 2019, is in fact a "bargain".

Speaking about Rice to SportsJoe, the ex France international said: "A bargain."

"You can see the quality he has already at such a young age and his experience. He's got leadership qualities too and that winning mentality".

"Leadership is something that has been missing for a lot of years at Arsenal... but I think that Declan Rice is a captain on and off the pitch".

"The way Declan wants to play, and the way Arteta wants his team to play, I think they will fit perfectly together".

Rice is set to become Mikel Arteta's second signing of the season following Kai Havertz's £65 million move from Chelsea

Rice, who graduated from the Hammers' youth academy, has been at the club for his whole professional career, but confirmed he would nit be renewing his contract at the London Stadium in search if Champions league football.

He made his debut in the 2016/17 season and went onto make 245 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals.

The midfielder is also an England regular, having earned 43 caps since making his international bow in 2019.

Is Rice a bargain for Arsenal? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Topics: Declan Rice, Arsenal, Football, Premier League

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno