Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been labelled the 'ultimate box-to-box midfielder' by a prominent Manchester City insider, who has also confirmed the Premier League champions tried and failed to sign the England star.
The Ultimate Midfielder
The praise comes from former City striker and current club media figure Paul Dickov, who has been left impressed by Rice's dominant start to the season for the Gunners. Speaking to LondonWorld via Best Betting Bonuses, Dickov didn't hold back in his admiration for the £100 million signing from West Ham United.
"Declan, for me, is one of the best midfielders around and especially playing that role a bit further forward, he's your ultimate box-to-box midfielder," Dickov stated. "He's got a bit of everything. City would have loved to have signed him."
City's Failed Pursuit
Dickov openly admitted that Manchester City were indeed in the running to secure Rice's signature before his record-breaking move to the Emirates Stadium in 2023. "I think they did try to sign Declan Rice, and Declan decided to choose Arsenal, which looks as if it's not been a bad move for him because he's been outstanding," he said.
This revelation adds a fascinating layer to the ongoing title rivalry between the two clubs. Arsenal currently sit four points clear of City at the Premier League summit, though Pep Guardiola's side have hit a rampant run of form with convincing wins over Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool before the international break.
Title Race Implications
The battle for midfield supremacy could prove decisive in the title race. While Rice has been a cornerstone of Arsenal's success, Dickov pointed out that City's options are also looking strong with Rodri returning to fitness and Nico Gonzalez adapting well after a difficult settling-in period.
Despite City's current midfield strength, Dickov believes any club would have wanted Rice. "Would City have loved to have signed Declan? Almost certainly. I don’t think there’s a club that wouldn’t have," he concluded, underscoring the universal appeal of a player now proving his worth for a direct rival.
