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.
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Speaking to FairBettingSites, as quoted by the Metro, Lauren believes that Arsenal should steer clear of signing the Hammers star this month and, instead, put faith in Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga to step up if called upon.
The former Gunners star said: "Arsenal have to be focused on the current team they have and not on new potential additions. If there is a good opportunity in the transfer market, then Arsenal will go for it. Look at Eddie Nketiah, we have to deal with what we have in the squad already.
"Why do we have to believe that Thomas Partey will get injured? He’s doing well, looks strong and we have to focus on the positive things rather than potential issues like an injury to Partey.
"Mohamed Elneny and Albert Sambi Lokonga will be up to the task if that was to happen. But I don’t want to think of Declan Rice or any new additions."
Rice, who was released from Chelsea at the age of 14, spearheaded the Blues' shortlist under Thomas Tuchel, according to The Athletic. The report states that a move for the Englishman collapsed because the Hammers' £100million valuation was considered too 'steep'.
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