An unnamed football agent believes Declan Rice – who Manchester City failed to sign – is the second best deal of the summer.
The anonymous figure sat down with The Athletic to discuss the England international.
So, what was said about Declan Rice? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
It was well documented that Pep Guardiola tried to sign the 24-year-old this summer.
As reported by Sky Sports and many other outlets, Manchester City submitted a £90m bid for Rice.
However, West Ham chose to reject that offer, and eventually struck a £105m agreement with Arsenal.
Now – after a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium – Rice has been voted the second best signing of the summer behind James Maddison, another player Manchester City allegedly held an interest in.
The unnamed football agent said: “He’s exactly what Arsenal are missing, that key component to winning something significant. The price is too high but he is that player they need to kick on.”
Clearly, the agent feels Manchester City were right not to spend £105m on Rice, but does believe the Arsenal No.41 can be a transformational signing.
Manchester City responded well as Declan Rice joined Arsenal
Of course, it would have been nice to have Rice at the Etihad Stadium, although Guardiola still managed to strengthen his midfield considerably.
The additions of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes – two midfielders who are phenomenal at keeping the ball and driving forwards with it – can bring a new dimension to Manchester City.
Furthermore, the duo cost less than Rice combined.
Manchester City paid £25m to sign Kovacic from Chelsea, while Nunes was signed from Wolves in a £53m deal.
As talented as Rice is, it is tremendous business from the Citizens to sign two quality midfielders for £27m less than Arsenal paid West Ham for the Englishman – to say the least.
