Declan Rice must sign for Manchester City if he wants to win trophies, according to a former Premier League player. The West Ham captain is at the centre of a transfer battle between City and Arsenal, but the ex-pro argues that Pep Guardiola's side offer a guaranteed haul of medals.
Citing Jack Grealish's success since his £100 million move to City – including a Champions League, two Premier League titles and an FA Cup – the article suggests Rice would follow suit. City have won 14 trophies in six years under Guardiola, while Arsenal finished second last season after overperforming.
The decision ultimately rests with Rice, who led West Ham to Europa Conference League glory this month. Arsenal may offer him the captaincy and home comforts as a Londoner, but the writer believes City's winning pedigree is decisive. He notes that Rice could fly from Manchester to London in the time it takes to drive across the capital.
However, Kalvin Phillips' difficult first season at City – just four starts due to injury and Rodri's dominance – serves as a cautionary tale. Rodri played 56 of 61 games last season, and Guardiola has turned John Stones into a hybrid defender-midfielder. With Ilkay Gundogan leaving and Bernardo Silva possibly departing, City have signed Mateo Kovacic, but competition remains fierce.
The article concludes that Rice must back himself to break into a team where reputations count for nothing. While Arsenal are a huge club, City are writing their own history, and Rice's career is best served by joining the serial winners.
