Former Liverpool player Glen Johnson does not believe that Arsenal have any chance of signing West Ham's midfield sensation Declan Rice this summer.
Rice has been linked to a number of clubs this year, and the race for his signature seems to be heating up with every passing day.
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Jack Grealish (L) and Declan Rice of England celebrate their side's victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)The likes of Arsenal, at this moment in time, are seen as favorites, but there is interest from fellow Premier League club Manchester United and current Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
It is evident that whoever manages to sign Rice in the summer will have recruited a top player into their side, and the side closest to doing so, according to the speculation, is Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.
The Premier League runners-up finished second behind Manchester City this year and are in need of reinforcements to bridge the gap on Pep Guardiola's treble-chasing side.
Rice could join Arsenal this summer, but according to former Liverpool and Chelsea player Glen Johnson, Arsenal will not be signing Rice this summer.
Johnson believes that Rice will join a bigger club like Real Madrid or Manchester City in the summer and reject Arsenal's advances.
"I think Arsenal would suit him, but I don't think for a second he will be at Arsenal," said Johnson to the Irish Post. "There's no chance. He's a proper good footballer, so he will certainly be great on the ball and would suit that style of play for sure, but he's not going to Arsenal.
"If he's available, then City or Madrid will want him, and Bayern Munich will too. So he's not going to go there, but if he did, he would suit them."
The former Ireland midfielder has been tight-lipped about a move away from the Hammers, said to the Evening Standard on Tuesday and broke his silence on a move.
"I've not really focused on any of that, to be honest. My main focus this season, from the World Cup onwards, has been getting us out of a relegation battle and, of course, having one eye on winning this trophy," said Rice to the outlet.
"Everything else is just noise and speculation. Obviously, I can't help that; it comes with playing. But my main focus is playing for West Ham and winning this final.
"My heart's set on that, doing it for the club, for my family, for the fans, and that's my only focus. I want to make them all very happy, and my focus is on doing that."
It seems the saga for Rice will rumble on for quite some time.
🚨 Bayern Munich are willing to pay €100m to West Ham for Declan Rice.
Tuchel has already spoke with Rice on the phone about a move.
(Source: @Plettigoal) pic.twitter.com/WEC7UXL8P0— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 30, 2023
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