Bayern Munich chief hits out at Declan Rice Arsenal transfer in Mikel Arteta disagreement

Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has questioned Declan Rice's summer move to Arsenal. The Gunners broke their transfer record to bring the midfielder across London from West Ham United.

Rice has emerged as one of England's most talented midfielders, establishing himself at international level in Gareth Southgate's side. He parted ways with the Hammers on a high as they ended their 43-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa Conference League.

The 25-year-old's future throughout his rise was under scrutiny after being subject to interest from the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. However, last summer Mikel Arteta's side won the race for his signature — splashing out a club-record £100million.

Bayern Munich posed a threat to Arsenal's pursuit in the summer, although they were eventually gazumped to the deal. Hoeness, who stepped down from his duties in Bavaria in 2019, has revealed they eyed the Three Lions international but were deterred by the hefty fee attached.

«I consciously looked at him. He’s a very good player, but with all due respect: I wouldn’t spend €120million (£102m) on him even today. Such sums are too high for his club: We as FC Bayern simply cannot afford that,» he told Frankfurter Allgemeine.

Despite Hoeness' criticism of Rice, the summer arrival is looking to be a good piece of business as he flourishes at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have won 63 per cent of their matches with Rice in the starting line-up, losing just five out of their 30 games across all competitions this season — everpresent for the Gunners in the Premier League.

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