Declan Rice

[Bernard20]

I agree. But when he’s been on record as saying a footballer’s career is short and he wants to be winning trophies rather than looking back without any, where is he best going - us or Arsenal?

Arsenal are progressing, sure, but do you want to take that risk? Spurs were progressing under Poch then look what happened.

It might sound simplistic but that’s essentially what it boils down to. Personal success.

You reckon Phillips is bragging about the treble to his mates? Probably not, because he’s barely played (despite what he says in front of camera)… I’m not for one second writing Phillips off, I’m just suggesting it doesn’t mean quite as much, if you haven’t played. If he’s worried about what part he’ll play for us v Arsenal, then that’s another factor, so it isn’t quite that simplistic.

 

[Blueroses]

Tide turns?

 

[Del_Bosque]

Gundogan leaving has completely changed the dynamic.

Our need is far greater so he's guaranteed more minutes this season even if he takes his time bedding in.

I'm sorry but if your ambitious you simply don't go to Arsenal when Pep is asking to sign you for the current PL champions and their captains who plays your role has just walked out of the door.

 

[urban genie]

Rice is a decent footballer so has potential under pep to evolve from the DM role.

knowing the boss he willl be a a false 9 and attacking midfield winger by this time next year ;-)

 

[BlueMooner87]

Would he want to leave London though?
Manchester isn't great in parts.

He would be in the city centre or he would be living in Wilmslow/Alderley edge or Knutsford. It's not like he will be stud in a 2up 2 down in miles platting.

 

[oakiecokie]

We need two 6s, four 8s, one of which can do 6 if needed.
Rodri, Phillips
Foden, KDB, Kovacic and ?
If Bernie leaves we need another 8. Kovacic can do 6.
Don't need Rice.

Give me a fucking 6 pack any day of the week.

 

[colorado blue]

Think this is more likely agent generated rumors to push Arsenal or maybe City generated rumors to push the price up.

 

[skillman]

You reckon Phillips is bragging about the treble to his mates? Probably not, because he’s barely played (despite what he says in front of camera)… I’m not for one second writing Phillips off, I’m just suggesting it doesn’t mean quite as much, if you haven’t played. If he’s worried about what part he’ll play for us v Arsenal, then that’s another factor, so it isn’t quite that simplistic.

You don’t spend £100m on a player for him to be a back-up. Phillips was always a back-up to Rodri and will be for the duration of his time here. It’s only because Leeds didn’t get relegated that we didn’t get a bargain. I’m convinced we’d struck a cheaper deal presuming they would go down then were too far down the line to turn away when they survived.

Again though, if you’re having doubts about your ability before coming then maybe it’s not the move to make - both for the player or the club.

(For what it’s worth too, I think Phillips will be bragging. He seems happy enough!)

 

[Spandau Billy]

I don't doubt that Rice is keen on City, but a factor in his thinking may be that he doesn't want to risk having a season like Phillips has just had.

Arsenal will offer him more assurances about playing time and his role in the team, City will offer him more of a chance of winning trophies.

I think he'd fit in brilliantly at City. If he ends up chatting with Pep, hopefully that will seal the deal.

I doubt very much that Rice is a comparable case to Phillips.

In short, he is one of the most accomplished midfield players in the Premiership and justly deserves the opportunity to play with the very best at the top level in the Premiership.

All should be clear in the next 24 hrs/36 hrs.

As for Di Marzio he is still considered to be one of the reliable of sources not just in Italy but also on most of the the major European leagues.

 

[Gumzy97]

We played last season in a 3-2-4-1 formation Rice fits perfectly in that pivot with Rodri.