Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has now told Arsenal that they could turn a profit on one big money star.
Arsenal have invested well in recent transfer windows.
Very few signings made by Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu in recent seasons could be deemed a flop.
The Gunners invested heavily in their squad last summer, including shelling out a club-record £105 million fee to secure the services of Declan Rice from West Ham United.
The midfielder arrived at the Emirates Stadium with a big reputation, having just captained the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory. However, he has still been something of a revelation in North London, as he has taken his game to another level under the guidance of Arteta.
Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew recently revealed that Rice would have been his pick for the Premier League Player of the Season award. The 25-year-old has been sensational for the Gunners.
Not only has Rice added steel and defensive solidity to the Arsenal midfield, but he has also shown that he can make a real impact in the final third. Arteta encouraged Rice to take up a more advanced role than he had ever played before. The manager’s faith in Rice’s attacking instincts was rewarded with a return of 7 goals and 10 assists from the England star.
Darren Bent insists Arsenal could now make a profit on Declan Rice
Darren Bent now believes that the £240,000-a-week ace has increased his value above even the vast sum that Arsenal paid to sign him.
Broadcasting on talkSPORT, presenter Andy Goldstein asked Bent: “Do you think Declan Rice has been Arsenal’s player of the season?”
The former Spurs striker replied: “One of them, yeah.”
Goldstein then added: “If you sold Declan tomorrow, what would you get for him? You’d get more, wouldn’t you?”
Bent replied: “Yeah, £120 million.”
Mikel Arteta must build new-look Arsenal midfield around Declan Rice
Of course, Arsenal will not consider cashing in on Rice this summer, even if they could turn a profit on the player. He is set to be a lynchpin for the Gunners in the middle of the park for years to come. Instead, money will be spent building around him. Arsenal have been urged to sign another midfielder who can help to coax even more out of Rice.
It is good news for the Gunners that their highest-paid stars are perceived to be increasing in value, though. It vindicates Edu’s work at the negotiation table, and is a reflection of progress being made on the pitch.
Arsenal will look to repeat the trick this summer, as they now face the task of taking their squad forward again.