In a recent episode of his popular YouTube show, Vibe with FIVE, Rio Ferdinand expressed his belief that Declan Rice could elevate his game to new heights if he were to make a move to Arsenal during the upcoming summer transfer window. Ferdinand, a renowned former footballer himself, also stressed the urgent need for the Gunners to strengthen significantly in the transfer market.
Under the guidance of manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal put up a commendable challenge for the Premier League title throughout the season. However, a disappointing run of results in the final stretch, which saw them gather just nine points out of a possible 24, ultimately allowed Manchester City to regain their coveted crown. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet.
Looking ahead to the next season, Arsenal are now determined to regroup and reinforce their squad. It is widely believed that Arteta has identified Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham, as his primary target to bolster the midfield. Rice, a talented English international, has captured the attention of Ferdinand, who has become an ardent admirer of the player. Ferdinand opines that Rice has the potential to reach new heights in his career if he makes the transition to a bigger club like Arsenal. However, he also stresses that Arsenal’s success will depend on their ability to acquire not only marquee signings but also better squad players.
During the Vibe with FIVE episode, Ferdinand was asked about Rice’s potential move to Arsenal and whether he considers him to be the best midfielder in the Premier League. Ferdinand responded, stating, “He’s not yet.” The former footballer went on to highlight Arsenal’s current predicament, focusing on the lack of squad depth. He cited a recent game as an example, emphasizing that if key players like Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli were to be absent from the team, there may not be adequate replacements of the same caliber. Ferdinand noted that although players like Leandro Trossard have performed well, the absence of individuals like Martin Odegaard or William Saliba could leave Arsenal vulnerable defensively. To highlight the severity of the situation, Ferdinand mentioned that Thomas Partey even started a game as a right-back.
Ferdinand emphasized the importance of having a few squad fillers who can seamlessly integrate into the first XI and make an impact. Arsenal’s starting lineup has demonstrated their quality, but Ferdinand believes that a couple of new additions are necessary to enhance the overall strength of the team. He firmly stated that Declan Rice would unquestionably improve Arsenal’s starting lineup, should they manage to secure his signature.
However, Ferdinand acknowledged that the potential stumbling block in acquiring Rice could be the disparity between the valuation of the player by Arsenal and West Ham. Negotiations between the two clubs would need to bridge this gap for a deal to be reached.
As Arsenal aim to revive their fortunes and challenge for silverware next season, the acquisition of Declan Rice would undoubtedly be a significant step forward. Rio Ferdinand’s endorsement of the talented midfielder’s potential impact at Arsenal, coupled with his call for squad reinforcements, highlights the challenges that lie ahead for the Gunners in the upcoming transfer window. Only time will tell if Arsenal can secure the services of Rice and address their squad depth concerns to emerge as genuine contenders in the Premier League. Get all the latest news from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.
