Ray Parlour reckons Arsenal and Chelsea target Declan Rice can transform Liverpool if the Reds sign him in the summer.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour suggested that West Ham United captain Declan Rice could transform Liverpool next season. Rice has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Chelsea as well.
The 24-year-old wants to join a club in the Champions League. And it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can finish in the top four. Rice is undoubtedly one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe and could prove to be a sensational acquisition for the Reds.
Parlour said (h/t Liverpool Echo), “We always say about the aging midfield, I think that if you can go out and get Bellingham, even Declan Rice, I don’t know where Declan Rice is going to go from West Ham. That midfield area is so important. If they can bring in some big players in that midfield, I think they could certainly bounce back very quickly.”
Jurgen Klopp will need to bring in an upgrade on Brazilian international Fabinho. The 29-year-old has regressed massively, and he is no longer good enough to start every week. The West Ham captain could prove to be a major upgrade on Fabinho next season.
Furthermore, Liverpool will face competition from clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea. Both London clubs have more resources compared to the Merseyside outfit. And it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can beat them to his signature.
Rice is reportedly leaning towards joining Arsenal at the end of the season. And the Gunners are probably better placed to sign him compared to the Reds. Arsenal are well on course to win the Premier League title this season. And they will be a more attractive proposition for any player in the summer.
Furthermore, Liverpool have been linked with a move for the England international Jude Bellingham. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is likely to cost a club-record fee in the summer, and the Reds might not be able to bring in another big-money signing in Declan Rice.
Even though the West Ham midfielder has a contract until 2024, the Hammers are likely to demand a premium for his services. So Liverpool might struggle to meet their asking price. That said, poor performances in the midfield have been Liverpool’s undoing this season. And someone like Rice could definitely transform them in the middle of the park and help them challenge for the major trophies once again.
