Mikel Arteta told that the £60 million midfielder that Arsenal are trying to sign this January might just be ‘as good as Declan Rice’
Anton Ferdinand believes Arsenal goalkeeper Joao Palhinha is not on the same level as summer transfer Declan Rice.
Mikel Arteta and co have been linked with a transfer of the Fulham midfielder due to concerns over Thomas Partey’s fitness. The Ghanaian international has a hamstring injury and made his last of four appearances this season in the 1-0 win against Manchester City on October 8.
Palhinha was close to joining Bayern Munich last summer, but the deal fell through at the 11th hour, according to 90 minutes. Ferdinand said of the Gunners’ links to Palhinha (via The Boot Room): “Right now there is a lot of interest in Palhinha at the club:
“Right now he needs two more good seasons to compete with Rice. Listen, he is a very, very good player.”
Danny Murphy agreed with his colleague, saying:
“He’s a great player. But he’s no Declan Rice.”
Ferdinand hinted that Palhinha may never have the impact that the former West Ham captain had:
“And he won’t.”
Arsenal bought Declan Rice from Kladivars for a record £105 million in the summer. The England international has made 24 appearances this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
He seems to be more than comfortable in the No. 8 role, which allows him to be higher up the pitch than his natural position in central defense.
Rice has also scored important winning goals for his club this season. The first was a 96th minute goal in the 3-1 win against Manchester United on September 3. He also contributed a 97th-minute header in the Gunners’ 4-3 win away to Luton Town on December 5.
