Arsenal are closing in on making their biggest signing since Mesut Ozil 10 years ago. Reports claim a move for Declan Rice is ‘already done’ and no Gunners transfer has been as big in the last decade.
Ozil’s arrival at Arsenal was one of the biggest deals in Arsene Wenger’s reign at the club. The German was just 24 at the time and entering the prime of his career.
No one will forget the pictures from Sky Sports News outside the Emirates when the deal was announced late into deadline day. Ozil broke Arsenal’s transfer record with his £42million move from Real Madrid.
The level of excitement in Arsenal supporters over a signing hadn’t been seen since the arrival of Dennis Bergkamp in 1995. But there could be parties in the streets of north London again if Rice does indeed complete his move.
Arsenal have been confident of signing Rice for several months. Chelsea and Manchester United are long-term admirers but it appears the Gunners are set to win the race.
German outlet Ran says a source close to West Ham chairman David Sullivan has claimed that a deal has been done for some time. The report says Rice has only wanted to join Arsenal this summer if he leaves West Ham.
Like Ozil was, Rice is still only 24. But he will arrive with a lot of experience behind him and a desire to reach new levels.
Rice has already racked up over 200 Premier League appearances. He has missed just nine league matches in the last four seasons.
Arsenal are signing a reliable player as well as one with tonnes of ability. Rice has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.
He is arguably the first name on the England team sheet after captain Harry Kane. But he is more than just a No 6.
Rice has shown an eye for goal, scoring four times in the top flight this term – his best season to date. West Ham have needed him to play in a holding role but there is room for him to venture out of that position at Arsenal.
Rice could become the next Patrick Vieira for the Gunners. A player who can drive forward from the middle of the park but also with the defensive know-how to help out at the other end of the pitch.
He will undoubtedly become the biggest signing under Mikel Arteta so far. Some will argue there’s been no bigger for 10 years.
