Tim Sherwood has said that Arsenal target Declan Rice is already an upgrade on Thomas Partey.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, Sherwood was sharing his thoughts on the West Ham United captain.
Declan Rice’s movements are sure to be one of the biggest talking points of the summer.
It’s looking less and less likely that he’ll be playing at the London Stadium next season.
He has Champions League ambitions, and despite being West Ham’s talisman, needs to move on.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move as they look to bring in midfield reinforcements.
There are concerns that other teams might start a bidding war that puts him out of their price range.
However, Sherwood has insisted that Rice would be a perfect fit for Arsenal and an improvement on Thomas Partey.
His importance to Mikel Arteta has shrunk since Jorginho’s arrival in January, with the Italian retaining his spot in the starting line-up.
It means Rice should have no problem getting into the team if he signs for the club in the coming months.
Sherwood backs Rice over Partey at Arsenal
Speaking about the England international’s future, Sherwood said: “I’d be surprised if he’s still there [at West Ham]. I think it’s time to do the right thing by the player.
“Possibly it’s the same thing with Harry Kane, they have been a great servant to the football clubs and it’s right to let them move on and progress their careers
“For me, Declan can play in some of the best teams in the world as a number six.
“Casemiro role, Rodri role, behind those two players I think he’s next in line.
“I think he’s ahead of Thomas Partey, linked with Arsenal, I think that would be a perfect move for him. I think he really could make a difference and he will add goals.”
Although Sherwood sees Rice as an alternative to Partey at Arsenal, he could equally take Granit Xhaka’s spot in the team too.
Rice’s versatility in midfield would be of huge benefit to Mikel Arteta.
He’s expertly played a holding role for West Ham and England for years.
However, when given the license to get forward, he’s proved with his immense technical ability that he can contribute too.
After missing out on Moises Caicedo and Mykaylo Mudryk in January, the Gunners will be desperate to stop any deal for Rice to suffer the same fate.
The guarantee of Champions League football might just be enough to get his signing over the line.
