Arsenal are ‘not paying much’ for Declan Rice - Gianluca Scamacca

Tom Weber

• 12 Jul 2023 10:30 BST
• 3 min read

West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca has voiced his belief that Arsenal are not overspending to land Declan Rice.

The Italian striker signed for the Hammers last year for €36 million, making him one of their most expensive acquisitions ever, but he has thus far struggled to have the desired impact. This has given rise to transfer rumours linking him with a return to Italy, with the player himself fuelling those whispers.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, the 24-year-old admitted: "Rome is home to me. Francesco Totti has been my idol since I was a kid and which player wouldn’t dream of being coached by [Jose] Mourinho?"

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In said interview, Scamacca also spoke about Italy teammate and new Newcastle recruit Sandro Tonali and West Ham captain Declan Rice. "Sandro is very strong and has everything to impose himself in the Premier League."

As for Rice, Scamacca is convinced that he is worth every penny.

Arsenal 'didn't pay much'

The West Ham skipper is on the verge of joining Arsenal for a British record £105m (€123m) and this sum has raised eyebrows. Though an exceptional player, many believe that the Gunners have been forced to pay an inflated fee due to his being English.

Indeed, according to our in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) algorithm, the 24-year-old currently clocks in at €57.8m. Despite this sizeable discrepancy, Scamacca does not think that the north London club are overspending to get the 'next Steven Gerrard.'

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“They didn’t pay much," the 24-year-old said. "He [Rice] is so strong and he reminds me of Steven Gerrard. Rice is the best midfielder I’ve played with."

After a lengthy delay, Rice's transfer - as well as that of Jurrien Timber - is expected to officially go through this week, with Mikel Arteta keen to have his new recruits available for the Gunners' US tour that will see them face an MLS All-Star team, Manchester United and Barcelona.