Declan Rice is Making $132 Million Arsenal Move ‘Look Like a Bargain,’ Says Alan Shearer

Declan Rice surpassed Jack Grealish to become the most expensive English player after his $132 million move to Arsenal. With so much money at stake, the question of whether the defensive anchor is worth the price tag arose in soccer circles. English Premier League legend Alan Shearer has an answer to this question. Interestingly, Shearer thinks the Arsenal stalwart is worth the money and was happy with his all-round efforts on the pitch.

Thanks to a clean 2-0 win against Brighton, Arsenal now tops the league table. Declan Rice’s exploits in the midfield were crucial for the Gunners’ triumph. Rice’s showdown left the legendary Shearer flabbergasted, and he did not shy away from applauding the youngster.

Alan Shearer doesn’t doubt Declan Rice’s ability in relation to his price tag

In the recent episode of ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, hosts Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, and Micah Richards weighed in on Arsenal. As the club made it to the top again, Lineker hinted that they might even go all the way. Soon, Shearer intervened with his thoughts on Declan Rice. “Declan Rice again yesterday…Honestly, he was just in everything that he did. Whether he’s protecting the back four, whether he’s bursting forward with the ball, having efforts at goal, he was fantastic. Right, he said it last night. He is making a 100 million pounds look like a bargain,” said Alan Shearer.

While signing Declan Rice, Arsenal paid a transfer fee of £105 million ($132 m) including add-ons. Though Shearer thinks this sum is a bargain, co-hosts Lineker and Richards were a bit skeptical about it. Richards joked that the Englishman is so expensive because he played for Chelsea‘s youth team. Soccer pundits can have different opinions regarding the 24-year-old’s price tag. But one cannot dismiss the fact that the defensive midfielder has become a show-stealer lately.

The Lighthouse’s impressive run in 2023

Before joining Arsenal in July 2023, Declan Rice played for their London-based rivals, West Ham United. West Ham will eternally be indebted to the 24-year-old. In June 2023, he led the team to their first major title since 1965, winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. Rice has indeed started strongly after joining Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. His first goal for the Gunners was one for the books. For, the clutch strike helped Arsenal seal Manchester United‘s fate in a much-anticipated Premier League clash.

READ MORE: Rodri’s Absence at Manchester City Proves Jamie Carragher’s Declan Rice Claim Wrong

Now, as Shearer pointed out, the Englishman is holding Arsenal’s midfield together. He has an eye on the back four. But he does not forget to drive the Gunners’ attack. In light of these contributions, the Englishman was short-listed for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award this year. Taking all these into consideration, Alan Shearer’s bold statement on the youngster is not too surprising.

What’s your take? Let us know in the comments below.

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