14 June 2023 , 01:00
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Jamie Carragher believes that Declan Rice and Arsenal are an excellent match but has told him to temper his expectations of major trophies should he seal a move.
The Gunners have long been linked with a move for the West Ham and England star, with Mikel Arteta a big admirer. Arsenal ’s hopes of signing Rice have been handed a big boost over recent weeks.
They were waiting for West Ham to round-off their Europa Conference League commitments before lodging an offer - the Hammers victorious against Italian side Fiorentina. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s main competitors for a deal, Bayern Munich, appear to have pulled out of the race to sign Rice following a board meeting.
That leaves the North London side in prime position to secure his signature. Ahead of a potential move, ex-Liverpool star Carragher believes that Rice is an excellent fit for the Gunners but is not expecting him to add a host of winners’ medals to his collection at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to Metro, he said: “It is difficult with Declan Rice, and I think Harry Kane falls into this one too, they are at clubs that probably aren’t going to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League. But unless you go to Man City, there is no guarantee you are going to come out with trophies that you want.
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“But you want to give yourself the opportunity and the tough question for Arsenal heading into next season is whether this was a one off or whether they can be consistent and challenging the biggest sides because it hasn’t happened for a long time.
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“I always felt he [Rice] would end up at Chelsea, but he could go to Arsenal and it could go great for him. He’s a step up from what they’ve got but there is no guarantee he will go onto win the biggest trophies with them.
“It is so competitive now. I think he’s at the age now where he has got to go and show himself as one of the outstanding midfielders in European football so he has to make that move.
“To make that next step, like Jude Bellingham did when he was a bit younger when he joined Dortmund… Arsenal would be a really good fit for him and he will certainly step them up a level.”
Ironically, Rice would arrive at Arsenal with a trophy in tow after an impressive campaign from a personal point of view. He made 50 appearances for West Ham throughout the season, scoring five goals and playing a key role in the club ending their long trophy drought.
He has just a year remaining on his contract with the club and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has already confirmed that they would be open to a sale in the forthcoming summer transfer window.