Declan Rice ‘can be as good as Patrick Vieira’ according to former Premier League midfielder

'In four years time we'll be talking about Declan Rice like we talked about Patrick Vieira'

Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in the summer after the Gunners beat Manchester City to his signature, paying £105m for his services.

The midfielder may be the most expensive British player of all time but he has looked value for money and been one of Mikel Arteta's best players as the north London club remain in the hunt for Premier League title once again.

'He will be there'

Ahead of Arsenal's must-win game against Chelsea live on TNT Sports, Cole said that while he isn't there yet, Rice has the potential to be among the list of all-time great names to have played for Arsenal such as invincibles winner Vieira.

"Dec's a great player," Cole told JOE, "But they've got some all-time greats.

"I'm sure in four years time, we'll be talking about Declan Rice like we talked about Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas but I won't embarrass him and put his name there yet."

Arsenal need win in London derby

Arsenal’s win against Wolves at the weekend momentarily took them back to the top of the table and they could extend their lead further with three points at the Emirates Stadium as Manchester City don’t play until Thursday.

As for Chelsea there are slim hopes of qualifying for the Conference League and they will look to bounce back from their FA Cup semi final exit on Saturday.

Watch Arsenal v Chelsea exclusively live on TNT Sports or stream on discovery+ from 7pm on Tuesday 23^rd April. For more info on how to watch TNT Sports visit HERE

Related links:

• Joe Cole says Cole Palmer is ‘as good as anyone’ ever to play for Chelsea
• Joe Cole would ‘get rid of VAR’ after Coventry heartbreak
• Arsenal and Man City set to battle it out for one of the Premier League’s best midfielders