David James has questioned why Declan Rice would want to join Arsenal and pointed out their failure to win silverware last season.
West Ham have confirmed Rice, 24, will be allowed to leave the London Stadium this summer, but they want at least £100million for his services. Manchester City and Arsenal both want to sign him, with the latter club making two unsuccessful offers.
It's believed Rice's preference is to stay in London and play for the Gunners, but James thinks he should go to City after they won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup last season. Arsenal have not lifted a major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.
West Ham have won a trophy more recently than Arsenal after beating Fiorentina 2-1 in this month's Europa Conference League final. Rice captained the Hammers on that famous evening in Prague, which is almost certain to be his final game for the club.
Former England international James was asked for his opinion on the matter by Sky Sports. He replied: "Why would he want to play for Arsenal? One team are the European, FA Cup and Premier League champions - the other is neither, or none."
It's clear where the ex-goalkeeper's loyalties lie in the debate. James played more than 1,000 senior games during his career, with 102 of those appearances coming for West Ham and 100 coming for City. As such, it's no surprise he would prefer Rice to join City.
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James added: "I'd rather he went abroad. Because then he won't be in a team that might want to beat West Ham and that would be something I think a lot of West Ham fans wouldn't like.
"Declan is top-drawer and Man City are the best team in Europe - and are probably going to be the best team in the world in few months if they win the Club World Cup. If Declan Rice is part of that it's because he deserves to be, so all the best to him if it happens."
Although City are yet to make an offer for Rice, West Ham's £100m price tag is not expected to be a problem for Pep Guardiola's Treble winners. City are capable of spending that kind of money after handing Aston Villa £100m for Jack Grealish two years ago.
Arsenal's second bid for Rice was worth £90m, with £75m of that paid up front. The Gunners will need to act quickly if they want to beat City to the England international's signature. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has confirmed Rice can leave the club.
Speaking to talkSPORT after West Ham's Europa Conference League triumph, Sullivan admitted he promised Rice a summer transfer. The player is said to have "set his heart on going" in pursuit of Champions League football, something Arsenal and City can offer.
Rice rejected a £200,000-a-week offer from West Ham 18 months ago. The Hammers skipper said in December: "I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years I’ve been saying that... You only get one career."
