Paul Scholes Admits He’d Love Manchester United to Sign Arsenal Star

Paul Scholes Declan Rice praise underlines Arsenal midfielder’s growing status as one of the Premier League’s elite

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has openly admitted that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is the one player he would love to sign for his former club — a comment that only reinforces how influential the Gunners’ midfield general has become.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes was asked which player he believes Manchester United desperately need. His answer was immediate and emphatic: Declan Rice.

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Scholes made it clear that United’s issues stem from a lack of control, leadership, and physical authority in midfield — qualities he believes Rice delivers every week for Arsenal.

“Yeah, not a dream, but something I think they need is probably a Declan Rice,” Scholes said.

The former United midfielder stressed that Rice represents the type of Premier League-proven leader United have lacked, particularly as they attempt to rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

Arsenal Midfielder Continues to Win Elite Praise

Since joining Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023 for a club-record fee, the England international has elevated Arteta’s side to another level. This season, Declan Rice has been central to Arsenal’s title challenge, combining defensive dominance with intelligent passing and tactical discipline.

Former United midfielder Nicky Butt agreed with Scholes on the same podcast, while Wayne Rooney recently described Rice as “absolutely incredible” and “underrated” — high praise from two United greats.

What separates Rice from many modern defensive midfielders is his complete skill set.

At Arsenal, he:

• Breaks up play with authority
• Progresses the ball under pressure
• Covers defensively across midfield and defence
• Leads vocally and emotionally

At 26, Rice is entering his prime and has already been tipped as a Premier League Player of the Season contender. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher recently selected him in his Premier League Team of the Season so far, edging him ahead of Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo due to overall influence.

Why Manchester United Admire — But Can’t Touch — Rice

From a United perspective, the appeal is obvious. Despite heavy investment in midfield options such as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, consistency has remained elusive.

Scholes sees Rice as the solution — a modern midfield anchor with leadership traits reminiscent of Roy Keane.

However, Arsenal view Rice as untouchable.

Contracted until 2028, with an option for an extra year

Central to Arteta’s long-term project.

Any attempt by United to sign Rice would not only be financially prohibitive but politically impossible given Arsenal’s title ambitions.

Scholes’ comments underline what Arsenal fans already know: Declan Rice is the heartbeat of this team.

While United search for answers in midfield, Arsenal are reaping the rewards of decisive recruitment and clear squad planning. Rice is no longer just a top midfielder — he is now the standard others aspire to.

For Arsenal supporters, there is a certain satisfaction in seeing rival legends openly admiring a player firmly embedded in Arteta’s project.

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