Arsenal to ignore Roy Keane as they take steps towards signing West Ham United star Declan Rice
Arsenal are set to ignore a warning from Manchester United legend Roy Keane as they continue their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, according to the Express.
The Gunners are reportedly leading a number of clubs in the race to sign the Hammers skipper this summer [Daily Mail].
But Red Devils hero Keane believes the 24-year-old must do more if he wants to be considered a world-class midfielder.
“Arsenal are set to ignore Roy Keane’s warning about Declan Rice and are now reportedly ‘increasingly likely’ to sign the West Ham captain in the summer transfer window,” according to the Express.
Discussing Rice, Keane said: “He has first got to focus on West Ham and doing well for the rest of the season, but I don’t think he has been great this season.
“I don’t think he has kicked on for all the talk there has been about him – he needs to do a lot more. He doesn’t score enough goals or get enough assists. I have been a fan of him, he is always fit, but I just want a little bit more from him.”
Background noise
It seems almost impossible that Rice or indeed anyone associated with West Ham will be able to ignore the constant flow of transfer rumours about the club captain.
It will, however, all be background noise to the midfielder, who remains committed on the pitch as the Hammers chase Europa Conference League silverware and Premier League survival at the same time.
At the end of the campaign, the rumours will then start to become more real for Rice, who is destined to finally leave the London Stadium after several superb years in claret and blue.
The only issue remaining is which club will sign the talented midfielder, who seemingly has his pick of various top sides in English football.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will definitely fancy his chances of landing Rice in the summer if the Gunners have just lifted the Premier League trophy, with Champions League football then finally on offer for the Hammers star.