West Ham and England midfielder Rice has made no secret of his desire to join the Gunners before next season
Declan Rice will join Arsenal at the end of the season, with five-year deal agreed between the Gunners and the England international.
That is according to media outlet Football Insider, who claim Rice will be paid £200,000-a-week at the Emirates Stadium, a huge rise on his current £60,000-a-week terms at West Ham United.
Rice is said to be desperate to join the Gunners at the end of the current season, with his desire to play Champions League football, as well as his respect for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the key reasons behind his decision.
Over the past three seasons, Rice has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, as well as a cornerstone of Gareth Southgate’s England team. Rice’s intelligent reading of the game, calmness in possession and physicality have made him one of the most highly-touted players in European football.
This summer, Rice will have just 12 months remaining on his West Ham deal, meaning the club may be forced to cash in on their prize asset or risk losing him for free in 2024. It is thought that a bid of around £70 million would be enough to secure a cut-price deal to bring the 24 year old to the Emirates.
At Arsenal, Rice would provide a world-class midfield option for Arteta, and would most likely be paired at the base of midfield with Thomas Partey. Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League table, though failure to qualify for the Champions League would likely scupper their chances of securing Rice, who is also target for the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.
Xhaka worry, Tierney issue: Four things spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Leicester clash
Arsenal will be desperate to build upon their new-found momentum following a dramatic win over Aston Villa at the weekend and Mikel Arteta’s squad have been training hard at London Colney
Four things spotted in Arsenal training ahead as Xhaka fitness question arrises (Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
After a dramatic win over Aston Villa, Arsenal have now set their sights on the clash with Leicester City. The Foxes are set to welcome the Gunners to the King Power Stadium on Saturday afternoon as the visitors look to defend their place at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side have a game in hand and a two-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City. With the two sides set to lock horns in April, Arsenal will be desperate to build a head of steam.
And, what better time to build upon their new-found momentum than against a side who have been subject to a three-goal thrashing. So, with that being said, football.london have taken a look at what stood out to us in Arsenal training as Arteta continues preparations for the clash with Leicester City.
Xhaka fitness concern?
Granit Xhaka was spotted walking onto the pitches at London Colney chatting with fitness coach Barry Solan, whose official title at Arsenal is Strength and Conditioning coach. The Switzerland international has started in every of the Gunners’ Premier League games this season.
He’s also featured in all but one of Arsenal’s fixtures this term, missing the final Europa League group stage clash due to suspension. While it is entirely possible that they duo were simply exchanging words, Xhaka and Solan’s chat drops a hint into a potential plan which the club have to manage the midfielder’s fitness.
Hale End star earns his stripes
Amario Cozier-Duberry was pictured walking to training with Reiss Nelson. The 17-year-old winger has impressed for Arsenal in the Premier League 2 this season and will be looking to follow on in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe.
The youngster was then later seen behind William Saliba during a drill before joining in with other first-team activities.
Smith Rowe impresses
Emile Smith Rowe looked ready and raring to go ahead of his return from injury. The 22-year-old has featured on the bench recently for the Gunners but he’s yet to even start this term.
He was pictured scoring a well-placed driven strike on his weaker left-foot. With Xhaka previously seen speaking to Solan, maybe Arsenal have a plan to use Smith Rowe to ease the workload on the Swiss.
Glimpse at a potential compatibility issue
There has been plenty of debate on social media recently as to whether Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney are compatible on the left-wing. While only a small sample size, a clip has proven why Arteta prefers Oleksandr Zinchenko.
In a small-sided game, Tierney drove forward with the ball down the touchline. But, by doing so, the Scotsman appeared to block Martinelli’s ‘space’ in which he usually operates – high and wide.
As a result, the Brazilian held his position and thus dropped deep. Tierney halted his run, turned and passed back to Martinelli before he drove in-field.
Zinchenko tucks inside, allowing the forward more space on the wing. Tierney and Martinelli like to operate in similar spaces.
SOURCE: fourfourtwo, football.london
