Alan Shearer believes Arsenal icon Ian Wright was correct to call Declan Rice a £100m ‘bargain’ after yet another breathtaking performance to beat Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 24-year-old helped the Gunners return to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-0 win on Sunday. Rice has been an essential part of Arsenal’s position so far this season after a club-record transfer in July. He quit West Ham United after a decade to sign for the Gunners.
Stan Kroenke, Arsenal’s owner, let Mikel Arteta spend £100m, rising to £105m after add-ons, to sign Rice. The midfielder has since started in all 17 of their Premier League games, plus in five Champions League ties. Only William Saliba has also started all 17 top-flight fixtures yet.
Ian Wright feels ‘guilty’ at Declan Rice costing Arsenal just £100m
Rice has proven his worth in more than just gold, as well, since first stepping out at Emirates Stadium as an Arsenal player. He immediately became a vital cog for Arteta’s engine room as the 48-cap England anchor gives the Gunners a complete player in the centre of their squad.
Be it in winning possession, distributing the ball, driving forward or providing goals at crucial moments, Rice has stepped up. So much, in fact, that Wright said recently that he told some West Ham fans ‘I feel like we robbed you’ and felt ‘guilty’ at Rice costing Arsenal just £100m.
West Ham demanded a nine-figure fee for their captain as Rice was already one of Europe’s best holding midfielders. He has since given Arsenal 8/10 or better games nearly every time he gets on the pitch, plus crucial goals against Manchester United, Chelsea and Luton Town.
Alan Shearer agrees that Declan Rice is making £100m a ‘bargain’
Now, Rice has taken Shearer’s breath away after another superb showing when Arsenal beat Brighton. The Premier League hero also agrees with Arsenal legend Wright that the fee West Ham ultimately held out for in the summer has still proven to be a ‘bargain’ for the Gunners.
“I know we keep mentioning him but oh my god,” Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast. “Honestly, in everything he did – whether he was protecting the back four, bursting forward with the ball and having efforts at goal – he was fantastic.
“Wrighty said it, ‘He is making £100m look like a bargain’.”
Shearer’s sentiment sparked Gary Lineker to reply: “That’s quite the statement, isn’t it, for a defensive [midfielder]?” But Rice is more than just a traditional holding midfielder to screen a backline superbly. His skill on the ball is what makes Rice a bargain with a nine-figure price.
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