Declan Rice handed major Arsenal warning as Gunners prepare €100m bid

The West Ham United captain has emerged as a top transfer target for Arsenal.

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that Declan Rice will improve Arsenal next season, but warned the midfielder there is no guarantee that he will win trophies at the Emirates Stadium.

Carragher stated that it is difficult for Rice, and England teammate Harry Kane, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, to win Premier League or Champions League titles when playing for clubs that are not challenging for them. Unless a player goes to Manchester City, he thinks there is no guarantee they will win the trophies they want.

“Unless you go to Man City, there is no guarantee you are going to come out with trophies that you want,” Carragher told Metro.

“You want to give yourself the opportunity and the tough question for Arsenal heading into next season is whether this [their second-place finish in the Premier League] was a one-off or whether they can be consistent and challenging the biggest sides because it hasn’t happened for a long time.”

Carragher previously thought Rice would end up at Chelsea, but admitted a move to Arsenal “could go great for him.”

The 45-year-old is also certain Rice is a step up from what Arsenal currently have at their disposal. But while that may be the case, he feels the player is at the age where he has to show himself as one of the outstanding midfielders in European football and make the next step.

“To make that next step, like Jude Bellingham did when he was a bit younger when he joined Dortmund… Arsenal would be a really good fit for him and he will certainly step them up a level,” he added.

Carragher’s claims come as Arsenal prepare to step up their interest. Mikel Arteta wants two new midfielders, and the manager rates Rice highly. According to Sky Germany, West Ham are ready to accept a bid of over €100 million from the Gunners.

Hammers chairman, David Sullivan, recently confirmed the England international can leave the club this summer. He had drawn interest from Bayern Munich. The German champions, though, have reportedly decided against making a bid.