Former Arsenal star Lauren has told Mikel Arteta to avoid signing Declan Rice despite fear of Thomas Partey picking up an injury. The West Ham captain has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for some time now but the Gunners look set to exact their Mykhailo Mudryk revenge.
According to The Guardian, Rice is leaning towards a move to the Emirates Stadium because of the prospect of playing under Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has transformed the north Londoners into Premier League title contenders, with Arsenal currently five points ahead of reigning champions Manchester City.
The report states that the Gunners have made the 24-year-old their primary target this month, with the England international identified as the perfect candidate to rival Partey and Granit Xhaka in midfield. Rice has continued to impress for club and country this season but it could cost as much as £80million to prise him from east London.
