Arsenal
Arsenal fans discuss Declan Rice, who Paul Merson has suggested as a target
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal look at trying to sign England international Declan Rice – but some of the club’s supporters on Twitter have given a negative response his suggestion.
Rice is currently a key individual for London club West Ham and has played every minute in the Premier League so far for them this season.
The 21-year-old is a no-nonsense defensive midfielder that has seen his reputation soar with the Hammers, as well as help him earn seven senior caps for the Three Lions under international boss Gareth Southgate.
According to the Metro, Chelsea are interested in trying to sign West Ham’s upcoming star Rice, plus they could face competition from Manchester United.
But Sky Sports pundit and ex-Arsenal star Merson has claimed that his former club should look at battling Chelsea for the signature of Rice.
“Chelsea have been linked with him, but I don’t know why Arsenal aren’t looking at Declan Rice.
Arsenal are crying out for a holding midfield player,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“They don’t need a midfielder who’s going to be on the edge of the opposition box, they need a disciplined defensive midfielder, who is going to sit in front of the back four and organise the side; one who, when he gets the ball, gives it simple with 10-yard passes.”

(Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
A selection of Arsenal supporters on social media have made it clear they don’t want to sign Rice targeted in the next transfer window and don’t believe the West Ham enforcer would make an impact at the Emirates Stadium.
There is no doubt that Mikel Arteta’s side could do with a real physical presence in the centre of the park, as that is often an area they come unstuck and it will be intriguing to see what the manager does with that position moving forward.
Here are some Arsenal fans discussing Rice:
Way better options out there. He’d be overpriced coz he’s English.
— ulven (@ogumba_) March 27, 2020
Overrated. Might aswell bring back frimpong
— Lewis Adams (@LewisDAdams) March 28, 2020
Just don’t get the hype surrounding Rice. Let Chelsea overpay for him.
— DapperG (@DapperG_) March 28, 2020
Hojbjerg would be better than him
— Paul Barrie (@PaulSBarrie) March 27, 2020
Holding what??? When we’ve got no goal scoring 8 or 10. How convenient to utter nonsense right now
— Jefferson (@Je5erson) March 27, 2020
Nah don’t rate him
— Frankie White (@FrankieWhite97) March 27, 2020
No. No. God no. He’s just another overhyped English player.
— Bryan (@GunmanBR) March 28, 2020
