Ian Wright says Arsenal 'robbed' Premier League rivals over summer signing

Ian Wright was full of praise for Arsena’s record signing Declan Rice (Photo: Getty)

Ian Wright reckons Arsenal should have paid an extra ‘£20million’ for Declan Rice, saying West Ham were ‘robbed’ over the transfer.

Rice moved across London over the summer for a club-record £100m, with a potential £5m more in add-ons.

Despite his reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, some felt that the Gunners paid too much for the England international, especially as he only had one year left on his Irons contract.

But so far, the 24-year-old has been worth every penny, putting in fantastic performances, with the club winning 12 and losing just two of the 18 games he has started so far.

These results have helped Arsenal go top of the Premier League, albeit only a point ahead of Manchester City, while qualification for the Champions League knockouts is very nearly secured.

Victory against Lens on Wednesday night at the Emirates will seal their place in the last 16.

Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, Wright was full of praise, hailing Rice’s performances and leadership on the pitch.

Arsenal have lost just two of the 18 games Rice has started this season (Photo: Getty)

‘It’s the physicality and fluidity of him. He looks strong, we just look different with him,’ the Arsenal legend said.

‘I love Martin [Odegaard] and he’s our captain and I’m very happy, absolutely delighted with that.

‘But when you have a player whose eight or nine out of ten every week, leading by example with everything that he does… you can’t help but think, “that guy is captain”. That guy is a captain in the way he’s playing.

‘And I’m not being biased or anything, but I was speaking to a couple of West Ham fans recently, and I wind them up all the time.

‘I said, “Do you know something, I feel like we robbed you, I feel like we should give you an extra £20million. I’m going to give you an extra £20million because it’s making me feel guilty that we’ve only got him for £100million!”.

‘Since Declan Rice really kicked on with West Ham and got into the England squad, I cannot remember him having a bad game. Every single game he’s doing something of note, he’s affecting the game.

‘I think, without a doubt, he’s the major difference for us this season.’

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