In a recent disclosure, Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola highlighted the universal appeal of Arsenal’s Declan Rice, stating that any Premier League team would leap at the chance to sign him if possible.
Guardiola’s comments came after Manchester City’s unsuccessful bid of £90 million ($114.7 million) for the midfielder, with Arsenal securing Rice’s talents with a £105 million ($137 million) offer, accepted by West Ham last summer.
As Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City in a pivotal match on Easter Sunday, Guardiola praised Rice, acknowledging his significant impact on Arsenal’s successful season.
Guardiola’s full statement to reporters about Declan Rice.
“Sometimes here we have many players we wanted and they didn’t decide to join us. He’s [Rice] not the first one who we wanted who didn’t join us. We have a long list. Basically, they don’t want to come or the price or whatever, so it could not happen. He made his decision, a good one, and good luck. All the teams in the Premier League would have signed Declan Rice. He’s an international captain for the national team of England and a young player playing a lot of games regularly. That’s why Arsenal pushed the way they pushed.”
Implications of the Match result on both team’s title quest.
Currently, Arsenal leads the Premier League, showcasing impressive form that has positioned them at the top.
The upcoming match at the Etihad Stadium is crucial, with potential implications for Arsenal’s title aspirations.
A win or draw against City would significantly bolster their chances of finishing the season as league champions, with Rice expected to play a key role in their pursuit of silverware.
Following the highly anticipated clash, which sees third-placed City trailing Arsenal by just a point behind second-placed Liverpool, both teams have matches scheduled on April 3.
Next on the fixture schedule.
Arsenal is set to host Luton Town, while Manchester City will welcome Aston Villa, as the race for the Premier League title continues.