Declan Rice

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HumbledGooner said:
Why, because I call out the BS about Kalvin Phillips being used as a 40-50m makeweight?

Also, there is a market for Arsenal not making the top 4. You can 'lay' Arsenal on betfair, and for every pound you put on, based on current odds you can make 144%.The bookies have priced Arsenal shorter odds than Man United and Liverpool to make top 4, let alone Chelsea. Will he bet big ? I dont think you will.
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It’s posts like this that really hit home about the difference between City fans and those of other clubs. I couldn’t muster your level of arrogance. You had a great season last year, but a lot of teams underperformed. There’s so many question marks over so many teams, including us having a squad refresh. I’m not as confident about City’s season next year as you are about Arsenal’s. But to be fair I wasn’t any of the past 5-6 seasons too. I guess the sense of entitlement isn’t dulled with time.
 
rodders said:
I can't really argue with that PC but I have a different perspective if our interest in him is real.

Firstly I'd be happy with a Phillips plus cash deal as imo he offers a lot move than Kalvin could, plus we stop a potential rival strengthening in the process. One in one out. Kalvin gets regular game time at WHU.

As you say Phil will likely be more pivotal in the centre next season and I think that's the part where we benefit as I believe he can be that tempo setting, creative force you mention next to Rodders, or Stones or in another scenario Rice adding a bit of steel. We'd still have one or two, maybe both of Gundo and Bernie to choose from and it looks like Kovacic is on his way too.

If Gundo and/or Bernie leave we'll have someone to replace either lined up. If the reports are true we'll also have McAtee and maybe Bobb learning the ropes and gaining experience with the first team squad. Both are better in the central area from the times I seen them so far. I haven't even included KDB in the equation.

Stones being able to give Rodders a rest is a fair shout. He's been immense in that role. Gvardiol coming in covers the loss of Eric and he looks very capable and as versatile as Johnny has been.

So where does Rice fit in ?

Cost aside, IMO he's the best option around to strengthen us even further in that central mid and defensive area. Pep likes versatility and he can cover both. He's got a great engine on him, will add legs to the midfield and we'll have multiple options in the event of injuries in both areas of the pitch. I also be flabbergasted if Pep doesn't improve him and bring out qualities that we've not seen before.

He's only 24 with the temperament of a player much older. I wouldn't like to see him at one of our rivals.
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Pep would love this guys attitude and I think he'd be very enthusiastic and open to learn everything he can from Pep so his progress should advance fast every year.
 
Rice makes sense if Pep continues with the double pivot, Stones is amazing but it's incredibly unlikely that he will be able to play a full season without injury.

Rice is rarely injured. Can play DM, Box to Box and CB so he's incredibly helpful in what he can bring to our team.
 
Bluesince1979 said:
Part of me thinks “why do we need him?”.
Hes not as good as rodders, and stones is a mammoth of a player, but yeah … if we van get him we should and be interesting to see peps plans.
I can see a whole new way and a whole new chore 11 coming up

COME ONNNNN
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Was thinking about it yesterday.

Akanji.... ..Dias.....Ake

Stones..Rodri...Rice

Foden.. Alvarez.... Grealish

......... Haaland.......

Bully ball to start the season. Ball control plus physical dominance.
 
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