Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe has showered praise on Declan Rice amid transfer rumors. Arsenal have been targeting Rice this summer and it will be interesting to note if the 24-year-old makes a move to the London-based club.

According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal and West Ham have agreed upon a £105 million transfer fee for the English midfielder. The two clubs are expected to be discussing the payment structure before making the move official.

Rice will definitely add a lot of value to Arsenal’s defensive line.

Speaking to the Sun, Emile Smith Rowe said, “I can’t speak highly enough of him. I remember my first camp and I was surprised with how good he actually was. He was the best in training. Just his level, intensity, technically, everything he was doing. A real leader and still so young. He was really, really good.”

In fact, it is reported that Manchester City was also interested in roping in Declan Rice but Arsenal have made a higher bid.

On the other hand, Emile Smith Rowe confirmed that he is going to stay with the Gunners unless gaffer Mikel Arteta doesn’t want him. Rowe made 15 appearances for Arsenal in the 2022-23 season due to a groin injury.

He said: “Arsenal are my club and I’m not going to give up until [Arteta] says he doesn’t want me.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal had a decent run in the previous season of the Premier League, finishing in second place behind champions Manchester City. In fact, Arteta’s team was leading for the major part of the season but could not hang on to their position as City was successfully in leapfrogging them.