Ally McCoist has endorsed the potential transfer of West Ham’s Declan Rice to Arsenal, believing that the Gunners, though trailing Man City, have the ability to bridge the gap faster than Man United.

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Leeds United at London Stadium on May 21, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
  • Ally McCoist believes that Declan Rice should join Arsenal over Manchester United.
  • Arsenal are preparing a £90m bid for Rice following West Ham’s Europa Conference League final win.
  • The Gunners also have an eye on Brighton midfielder, Moises Caicedo.

McCoist’s Arsenal recommendation for Rice

The Arsenal advantage

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Declan Rice of West Ham United is challenged by Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Declan Rice of West Ham United is challenged by Martin Oedegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on December 26, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Ally McCoist, the football commentator, believes that Declan Rice should consider a move to Arsenal rather than Manchester United in the coming transfer window.

McCoist has backed Arsenal, expressing that although they are trailing Manchester City, the Gunners’ trajectory of growth seems more promising.

Man United Vs. Arsenal: The Rice conundrum

Declan Rice Arsenal transfer -Arsenal transfers - West Ham's Declan Rice reacts after a draw in the UEFA Europa Conference League first-leg quarter final football match between Belgian KAA Gent and West Ham United FC at the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent on April 13, 2023. (Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham’s Declan Rice reacts after a draw in the UEFA Europa Conference League first-leg quarter final football match between Belgian KAA Gent and West Ham United FC at the Ghelamco Arena in Ghent on April 13, 2023. (Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty Images)

The West Ham captain, valued at £100 million, is in the sights of Arsenal and Manchester United.

However, McCoist’s commentary on talkSPORT leaned towards a move to Arsenal for Rice.

His rationale: Erik ten Hag’s United are still several players behind their city rivals. This insight has shifted the narrative, hinting that the Gunners might be a more strategic choice for Rice.

“If I’m Declan Rice and I’m weighing up my options, I’m probably thinking I’d rather go to Arsenal than Manchester United,” McCoist said.

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 25: Declan Rice & Harry Kane (C) win Football Ally of the Year award during the Women's Football Awards 2023 at Nobu Hotel on May 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 25: Declan Rice & Harry Kane (C) win Football Ally of the Year award during the Women’s Football Awards 2023 at Nobu Hotel on May 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)

“I looked at Manchester United at the [FA Cup] weekend, and I know they’ve won the League Cup, but they look as though they’re four or five players behind Manchester City.

“I still think Arsenal are well behind Manchester City, but I think they’ve got the potential to get nearer to them quicker.”

Gunners on the move

Declan Rice Arsenal transfers - ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS - MAY 18: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United at AFAS Stadion on May 18, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
ALKMAAR, NETHERLANDS – MAY 18: Declan Rice of West Ham United celebrates victory after the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final second leg match between AZ Alkmaar and West Ham United at AFAS Stadion on May 18, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Arsenal are expected to make a hefty £90m bid for Rice after West Ham’s Europa Conference League final win last week.

Given Rice’s established career in London and his apparent comfort in the city, this move could prove beneficial for all parties involved.

Arsenal’s interest in Moises Caicedo, the Brighton midfielder, further showcases their intentions to enhance the midfield, as Mikel Arteta’s side seeks to build on this season’s progress.