Emmanuel Petit claims Declan Rice rumors affected Thomas Partey

According to former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit, speculation linking West Ham’s Declan Rice with a summer move to the Gunners may have affected Thomas Partey’s performance during their match against West Ham on Sunday. Partey had a poor game and was responsible for giving the ball away to Rice, which led to a penalty being conceded. Arsenal are strongly linked with signing Rice, who plays in the same position as Partey. Despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea, Arsenal are growing confident of signing Rice and have made him their top summer transfer target. Mikel Arteta is believed to be a “huge fan” of Rice and has already made plans for where he would fit in his system at the Emirates. However, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged the club not to overpay for Rice, while Jack Wilshere insists that the West Ham skipper would be the “perfect fit”.