Keane hinted at Arsenal buying Declan Rice
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham for a total fee of $ 137 million and became the most expensive English player in history, breaking the record of $ 127 million Man City spent to buy Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021. Rice is also an expensive contract. Arsenal's history, breaking Nicolas Pepe's record of $ 87 million in the summer of 2019.
According to Keane, the England international did not deserve such a high transfer fee. "Rice will play with better players," the former Man Utd midfielder said in ITV's live commentary before the English Super Cup match on August 6. "The requirements are different. If he plays higher, Rice has to score more goals. He also has physical strength. But Arsenal pay too much, Rice is not worth more than 100 million pounds."
Presenter Mark Pougatch points out that Trevor Francis faced similar skepticism when he became the first English player to cost £1 million ($1.68 million) when he moved from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest in 1979. The late striker smashed criticism when he scored 37 goals in 93 matches, helping Nottingham Forest win two consecutive European Cups in 1979, 1980 and the European Super Cup in 1979.
Keane admits Rice will improve Arsenal, but thinks the 24-year-old midfielder is under great pressure to prove himself at the Emirates Stadium. "You can say that to a lot of players, but we'll see how good Rice is in the next year or two," Keane added. "Rice is strong and Arsenal have lacked that in the last few seasons. But does Rice possess top quality in passing and the ability to score 9, 10 goals a season?"
Yesterday, Rice played his first official match for Arsenal when he partnered with Thomas Partey and captain Martin Odegaard. The English midfielder touched the ball 44 times, completed 87% of the pass with one long pass, one shot off target, won three duels, one mid-air challenge and two tackles. Rice made way for striker Eddie Nketiah from the 81st minute, when Arsenal were leading.
After the game, Rice admitted he had improved a lot over the past three weeks and was proud of his first title with his new club. He revealed that coach Mikel Arteta reminded the whole team to do well every small detail in the match if they wanted to win Man City. The 24-year-old midfielder wants to keep learning, improving and is confident he will have a successful season.
Rice and his teammates will play the opening match of the English Premier League season 2023-2024 against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
