Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder, has expressed doubts about whether Declan Rice has the necessary skills to become an elite midfielder at Arsenal. The Gunners have submitted two bids for the West Ham United captain, with the latest offer totalling £75m plus £15m in add-ons. However, the Hammers have rejected both bids, insisting that they will not sell Rice for less than £100m. Despite this, Arsenal remain confident of securing the 24-year-old’s signature, with manager Mikel Arteta keen to bring him to north London.
Souness has praised Rice’s athleticism and ability to sense danger, but he believes that the midfielder lacks the creativity and flair required to take Arsenal to the next level. He told talkSPORT that Rice is “a little bit predictable when he gets on the ball personally” and that he does not have the “cute and clever passes” needed to make him a top-class midfielder. Souness also suggested that Rice may not improve his game by moving to Arsenal, although he acknowledged that he would be a valuable asset to any team.
Rice has been a key player for West Ham in recent seasons, helping them to qualify for the Europa League last term and leading them to victory in the inaugural Europa Conference League this year. He has also established himself as a regular in the England squad, making 22 appearances for his country since his debut in 2019. His performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, but Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners in the race to sign him.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Rice is part of their wider strategy to strengthen their midfield ahead of next season. The Gunners finished eighth in the Premier League last term, missing out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years. Arteta has identified Rice as a player who can help them to close the gap on the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, and he is believed to be willing to pay up to £100m to secure his services.
The prospect of Rice joining Arsenal has divided opinion among fans and pundits. Some believe that he would be an excellent addition to the squad, providing much-needed defensive solidity and leadership. Others argue that he is overpriced and that his lack of creativity would limit Arsenal’s attacking options. Souness’s comments are likely to fuel this debate, with many fans questioning whether Rice is the right player to take Arsenal forward.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Rice’s future, it is clear that he is a highly sought-after player who has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in Europe. Whether he achieves this at Arsenal or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his next move will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.