Evra claims fans would ‘kill’ £100m for Arsenal Rice as West Ham man ‘not ready’ for big transfer

Patrice Evra believes Arsenal fans will ‘kill’ Declan Rice if the current West Ham United star struggles following his move to the Emirates.
Rice is set to leave West Ham this summer after falling this season. They recently fought for a place in Europe but are currently in the midst of a relegation battle.
The midfielder is expected to play this summer with Arsenal and Chelsea among the clubs interested in him.

Prior to this season, Rice was considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League as he made huge progress as a West Ham player. The Englishman is under contract until 2024, but it is clear West Ham have the option of extending his contract until 2025. They are therefore not under pressure to sell and can realistically demand what they want from him.

Evra fears “many fans” will “kill” Rice if he sells for around £100m this summer.
“Declan Rice, let’s say he’s the future, once he hits £100m, a lot of fans are going to kill him,” Evra said via Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five podcast.

When asked if Rice is good enough to play for someone like Arsenal, Evra added: “He can (play for a top club) if he has the right manager and the right players around him. “He’s not a leader, he’s not ready for the way people talk about him in the media. I played with him. He’s not ready yet, but he’s going in the right direction .”

That’s when Glen Johnson argued that we’re not seeing the best of Rice at the moment as he’s ‘trying to be a jack-of-all-trades’ to help West Ham out of trouble.

“If he’s playing for a top-flight team and he’s playing a role, you want him to score goals and play as a box-to-box midfielder, or you want him to be a box-to-box midfielder. ‘sit there and protect your back four once he holds when you get that position under you will see the player’s true value,’ Johnson told Betfred.

“Right now at West Ham, Declan is trying to be a jack of all trades and rightly so as he tries to do his best for the team. Try to make tackles, try to score goals and try to protect the back four. You can’t do everything.
“If you are valued at £150m by your club then you must be the best player in your position but Declan cannot justify that value at the moment because he is trying to do everything.”

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Arsenal vs Bournemouth post-press conference : Mikel Arteta on Nelson winner, Trossard injury and title race

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The Gunners boss is set to speak to the press at the Emirates Stadium after his side’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth

Mikel Arteta is set to face the press after Arsenal’s spectacular late win over Bournemouth.

The Emirates were rocked by a goal within ten seconds of Phillip Billing. The Bournemouth midfielder scored the second fastest goal in Premier League history at 7.69 seconds on the clock.

Arsenal responded and continued to attack. Bukayo Saka had the best chance of the opener after Neto saved a Martin Odegaard shot at the England international, but his strike went straight for the Brazilian. Despite another quick start from Arsenal, it was the visitors who extended their lead. A corner led to another free-kick, with Senesi passing Ramsdale.

However, Arsenal reacted quickly when Thomas Partey scored. A corner allowed Emile Smith Rowe to send the ball over the goal for the Ghanaian to head in.

Then the drama reached a new level when Ben White equalized minutes later. Reiss Nelson, who had replaced Smith Rowe, crossed at the back post and Ben White came to the back post for a half-volley.
Arsenal then had a series of VAR controversies as Billing appeared to have dealt in the box. Every time the ball entered the box it looked like the Gunners had a call or a scoring opportunity.

However, Reiss Nelson took charge and Arsenal’s final touch passed Neto to win with the finishing kick. Incredible and a day that no one will forget.

Arteta on Nelson

I’ve always seen the talent, but it’s on another level. It’s a good lesson for me and the coaches that we need him and that he can be very important for the team.

Arteta on Trossard’s Inj

It is a concern. He came to me and told me that I couldn’t go on.

Arteta on his reaction to the goal

You lose track of where you are, I started running and I didn’t know where I was running. Just looking at everyone’s faces is just awesome to be alive.

Arteta on what it says about the character of his team

A lot. I think the team showed a different will to win.

Arteta on the game

Everyone is a bit overwhelmed.

It was madness from the first minute of the game when we defended so badly and then you have to climb a mountain. After that, do not lose form and try to score first. We did and when we did, the atmosphere and the place changed. We created a lot of chances. I thought submarines made a big impression. So happy for Reiss after making a huge impression.

O’Neil on the celebrations after the winner

I have no comment on what Arsenal did. I shook Mikel’s hand, it was a game he had to win and I needed it. We went into battle and he won. They score a goal that they can celebrate as they see fit.

O’Neil to Arsenal

They are the best team in the league. I don’t think many people expected us to come here to annoy Arsenal, but we did and we barely succeeded.