BBC journalist shares Declan Rice prediction at Arsenal after West Ham United exit
Declan Rice can be Arsenal’s next Patrick Vieira figure following his move from West Ham, according to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone.
The England international has left the London Stadium to join the Gunners for a deal worth £100million plus £5million in add-ons.
Rice, who becomes the club’s record transfer, has signed a five-year contract in North London with the option of a further year.
“Arsenal’s signing of Rice is a real statement of intent,” Stone wrote for BBC Sport. “Arteta identified the England man as someone who could provide the athleticism and vision he felt Arsenal lacked in the middle of the pitch.
“Although primarily used as a defensive midfielder at West Ham, Arteta knows Rice is capable of making an impact in an attacking sense as well.
“This would arguably give the Gunners the kind of inspiration in the centre of the pitch they have lacked since the departure of legendary club captain Patrick Vieira in 2005.”
Legendary figure
Rice has enjoyed a superb career so far, with the 24-year-old becoming a cult hero at West Ham following his transfer from Chelsea many years ago.
The midfielder went on to star for the Hammers for several seasons, becoming the club’s captain and guiding them to Europa Conference League glory earlier this year.
His departure from East London will bring a tear to the eye of many West Ham supporters, but they will fully support his decision as they realise that the player is destined for bigger and better things.
Rice does, however, have a long way to go in his career before he can reach the level that legendary figure Vieira reached.
The Arsenal icon has gone down in history as one of the greatest to ever play the game, with Rice hoping that he can follow in the midfielder’s footsteps in North London in the years to come.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have pocketed a financial windfall as £160million FIFA news emerges.