Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp believes Declan Rice’s signing will certainly improve Arsenal’s chances of finishing above Man City next year. Arsenal and West Ham have agreed upon a £105 million transfer fee for the English midfielder. In the 2022-23 season, Rice scored four goals and provided two assists for West Ham.
Rice will definitely add a lot of value to Arsenal’s defensive line. Meanwhile, Arsenal was able to stay at the numero uno position for 248 days in the Premier League standings but veered off the track at the fag end of the season in 2022-23.
On the other hand, Manchester City were able to clinch the desired results and won their fifth title in the last six years. However, Redknapp feels the Gunners will give a good challenge to the Cityzens once again but admitted it is not going to be easy for Mikel Arteta’s team.
Speaking to GB News, Redknapp said (via METRO): “I’m sorry to see him leave West Ham. I was hoping West Ham would keep him for another couple of years at least. But I think he will certainly improve Arsenal’s chances of finishing above Man City next year, which is not easy. Man City will be red hot favourites again. But Arsenal have made a couple of good signings, I think they’re going to be very strong.”
Redknapp expects Rice to hit the ground running at Arsenal as he will have the company of some of his national teammates.
“He’s a bubbly personality. He’s got a couple in the Arsenal team playing the England team with him. So he’ll adapt very quickly. He will be the life and soul of the dressing room for sure.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal had a decent run in the previous season of the Premier League, finishing in second place behind champions Manchester City.
In fact, it was reported that Manchester City was also interested in roping in Declan Rice but Arsenal made a higher bid.
