Frank McAvennie: Declan Rice may not win trophies at Arsenal after West Ham United transfer
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has backed Declan Rice to do well at Arsenal, but questions whether the £105million man will win trophies in north London.
Rice’s transfer from West Ham to Mikel Arteta’s side is edging closer and closer to completion, with the England international setting a British record transfer.
The 24-year-old reportedly returned early from holiday this weekend to undergo a medical in London [Metro] before completing the move.
But McAvennie has warned that due to the large price tag on the Conference League-winning captain, a few poor performances from Rice may be all it takes for Arsenal fans to sour on the player.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I’m delighted for Declan. He’s won his trophy, but I’m not sure he’ll win medals at Arsenal. He’s just won a medal at West Ham, but I’m not sure.
“I think it’s a great project. They’ve got great young boys and great players and I think Declan will fit in there perfectly and he’ll be happy there.
“It’s a hell of a price tag. I know it’s not his fault but a couple of bad games and Arsenal fans will let him know.
“But he’s a good player and I think he can get better, he’ll go there and he’ll do well. I’m delighted Declan won a trophy and went away with everyone’s blessing and I think West Ham fans have seen that.”
McAvennie also shared his thoughts on talkSPORT contributor and former England Women international Eni Aluko’s comments regarding the Rice deal. She claimed that Manchester City put in a faux offer for Rice at the request of Arteta himself to push the Arsenal hierarchy to match West Ham’s valuation.
McAvennie said: “I heard something on the radio, with Eni Aluko… I was thinking ‘What planet is she on?’
“Oh yeah, Pep’s going to do that for Arsenal, really? It’s a very interesting take. I don’t think in any universe that’s going to happen.”
Whether Pep Guardiola did his old assistant a favour for Rice or not, Rice looks set to shine at Arsenal. He will hope that McAvennie’s prediction is wrong and that he will in fact win trophies in this exciting Arsenal side, but sometimes the big-money moves do not always pay off.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers make a loan offer to Juventus for ex-Chelsea loanee.