One Arsenal target seems to have really impressed Declan Rice.
The Gunners are active in the summer transfer window. They are on the lookout for multiple options, and we expect a few signings to go through before the new season starts.
Reinforcements in midfield are a priority for Arsenal in this window, and they have been linked with plenty of names, including a few surprise ones.
Rice has now claimed that he would love to have one of them in his team.
Declan Rice delivers verdict on Conor Gallagher amid Arsenal links
Chelsea star Conor Gallagher is a wanted man in this summer’s transfer window.
The England midfielder had an impressive campaign in the 2023/24 Premier League season. He was arguably the best player at Stamford Bridge.
However, reports have claimed that Chelsea are open to selling Gallagher, and Arsenal are among the clubs said to be interested in signing him.
Spanish outlet AS claimed that Arsenal have made contact with Chelsea to enquire about the £42 million-rated (€50m) Gallagher in this summer’s transfer window.
Nobody really expected that link to emerge, but it looks like Rice would be absolutely delighted if he was his teammate.
Ahead of England’s final Euro 2024 group-stage game against Slovenia, after reports emerged that Gallagher could start, Rice heaped praise on him.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’ve played against him when he was at Crystal Palace and Chelsea, and I’ve played with him in the academy team. He is player I would love to have in my team.
“He works his socks off. You feel so safe and secure in there with him. He has surprised so many people this year with his ability on the ball. How he breaks forward with it, how he gets into the box and scores goals.
“He is a really positive player and he has come on so much over the past few years and you can really see that within himself with how confident he is.
“Every time I get to play with Conor, and it hasn’t been much, I really enjoy it because I know him really well as a guy, I know his family really well, he is a lovely boy and it is another great chance to stamp our mark.”
READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height
What would Conor Gallagher bring to Arsenal?
Gallagher is definitely not the name Arsenal fans would want in the middle of their park.
After being linked with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Amadou Onana, Joao Neves and Martin Zubimendi, a move for the Chelsea man feels underwhelming.
However, if Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal cannot get any of their key midfield targets, Gallagher, at the right price, would not be a bad option at all this summer.
The Englishman is good on the ball, has a tremendous work ethic and his late runs into the box can be a real asset for Arsenal next season. To add to the above, he has plenty of experience in the Premier League, which is always useful.
Gallagher shouldn’t be anywhere near the top of Arsenal’s list, but if they can’t get their preferred targets, he could be a decent option at the Emirates.