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Football London
Football London
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Danny Bloomer

Declan Rice backed as 'good fit' for Arsenal key role in Manchester United transfer battle

Louis Saha has backed Declan Rice as a 'good fit' for Arsenal despite interest from his former club Manchester United.

Rice looks set to leave West Ham United this summer with a host of the Premier League's top clubs in the running for his signature. The Gunners have been mentioned as a likely destination, while both Manchester clubs, Newcastle United, Liverpool and Chelsea have also been linked.

Regardless of whether they lift the league title or not next month, Mikel Arteta is keen on strengthening his midfield this summer, with cover for both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka required. Rice is on the other end of the spectrum age wise to that aforementioned duo, while also possessing the skillset to play as either a holding midfielder, or box-to-box, in Arteta's setup.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta gives perfect reaction to Opta Premier League predictor's Arsenal title verdict

With Arsenal almost certainly set to be playing in next season's Champions League, top quality squad depth will be a requirement if they are to fight on all fronts. Speaking to Paddy Power, Saha heaped praise on the attributes Rice has at his disposal and expects him to fit right in at Arsenal if he makes the switch.

He said: "Declan Rice is a terrific player and he’s had a decent season. It’s difficult to know what he really wants. At first, we heard it was Manchester United, and now he’s heavily linked with Arsenal.

"His position is really important to every team. Quality wise, he can adapt and technically he’s very good and has great awareness. He must deliver the right balance in defending and bombing forwards, but I do think Declan Rice and Arsenal is a good fit."

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