Declan Rice, the captain of West Ham United, ‘isn’t heading to Arsenal’, according to Jamie O’Hara, who also claims that Rice will sign with Manchester City this summer.
With David Ornstein tweeting overnight (Monday, June 26) that Manchester City has made a “formal bid” of “£80 million + £10 million in add-ons” for the 24-year-old Declan Rice, things are starting to heat up in the Declan Rice transfer kitchen.
For Arsenal, who are currently in a battle to recruit the midfielder, Declan Rice is their top aim. However, for O’Hara, the decision to join Manchester City is quite straightforward, as he recently revealed to talkSPORT.
It’s rather simple to support Pep Guardiola’s team in terms of titles won.
However, if you’re Kalvin Phillips, you may mix and stir things up all you want and never for a second feel as like you’ve made a significant contribution to your team winning the Triple Crown.
That is the situation Rice finds himself in, unless he decides to relocate across London to get those starts, step up his performance, and attempt to push the Gunners over the championship threshold, as O’Hara strongly disagrees.
“What do you mean he needs to prove himself at Arsenal?” inquired of O’Hara. “He has demonstrated himself for England.
“I’ll be completely honest. (Speaking to an Arsenal supporter) I don’t want to dampen your spirits here. There is only one team he will join, and that is Manchester City, assuming a deal is reached between Man City and Arsenal.
“He won’t be joining Arsenal. You had the opportunity to sign him, but you declined.
“You think a project is important to (Rice)? Aston Villa lost Jack Grealish. In two seasons, he earned four awards. He is unconcerned. Declan Rice can travel there and take home the Champions League and Premier League. He will not join Arsenal. Just being sincere here. He wants to remain in London, I see. He is leaving the moon and travelling to Manchester.
Rice ought to choose Arsenal.
Rice might only play a few games the upcoming season but still take home the league crown and FA Cup at the Etihad.
Or he could be a crucial component of the group at the Emirates and turn into one of the puzzle pieces needed to propel Arsenal to the championship.
The latter, let’s face it, will feel better and be a better accomplishment.
But in the end, it’s impossible to hold players responsible for choosing to play for Man City because, no matter what you do, you’ll win tonnes of trophies and get to collaborate with Guardiola, one of the greatest football minds ever.
