Tony Cascarino says Declan Rice is a ‘far better player’ than Granit Xhaka ahead of his possible transfer from West Ham United to Arsenal.
The former striker added that, if Declan Rice does move to the Emirates, then it would be ‘really intriguing’ and he would provide those in north London with ‘real leadership’ skills, as he told talkSPORT.
The man who dons Arsenal’s armband is Martin Odegaard, who has talked the talk with the ball and produced the best season of his career.
Many feel that Granit Xhaka is the leader without the armband, although, the last time he was handed that role, it went horribly wrong for different reasons.
During these coming days, Arsenal fans will start to understand where they stand in this Rice deal, after West Ham won the Europa Conference League last week.
And if the 24-year-old makes the expected move, then Cascarino shared what he will bring to the table.
“I look at Arsenal and I think it could be really intriguing, if the way Arsenal play, that it would be a massive plus for them,” said Cascarino.
“Rice is a real leader. I do think, even though Xhaka has become their captain, and other players with their performances have been leaders. I didn’t think they had a natural leader at Arsenal.
“I think that would be a great move for them – Xhaka was a bit of that, but Declan Rice is a far better player than Granit Xhaka.”
Will Xhaka leave Arsenal?
There has been heavy talk about Xhaka’s future at Arsenal and how he could be headed for the exit door this summer.
The 30-year-old ended the season in a quite stunning fashion by scoring a brace against Wolves on the final day of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
In truth, it should have been a hat-trick for the hard-hitting midfielder that has divided opinion like no other in north London, and if he leaves, then it will be with his head held high.
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