Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes it would be a "no-brainer" for Declan Rice to join Manchester City over Arsenal in this summer's transfer window.
The West Ham United captain, who helped England defeat North Macedonia 7-0 at Old Trafford earlier this week, has established himself as one of the Premier League's most sought-after players after several seasons of year-on-year progression. He has been regularly linked with a move to one of the country's big hitters over the last few years and he now looks set to make that move in this window.
Arsenal have made Rice their top midfield target and have already seen two bids for him knocked back, including a club-record offer. It is reported that West Ham are holding out for somewhere in the region of £100million.
Though the Gunners have established themselves as the frontrunners for his signature, City, as reported by the Manchester Evening News a week ago, are exploring the possibility of a move for his signature, although they are yet to table a bid. However, in the event of them making a formal approach for the England star, Murphy believes Rice should seriously consider a move to the Etihad Stadium.
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Murphy, speaking on talkSPORT, said: "The big question mark for Dec is if Man City do come in late, the choice is over whether to leave London or not.
"London is his home, it's where he's grown up, it's where his family is, but as a football decision it would be a no-brainer to join the Premier League champions. If you had a choice between City and Arsenal, although Arsenal are on a great trajectory, you'd pick City all day long."
City have already agreed a fee with Chelsea to sign Croatian international Mateo Kovacic, meaning he will immediately bolster their midfield options. However, they could be on the hunt for another midfield recruit if Bernardo Silva departs.
"As of now Man City aren't in - my understanding is they have not committed yet and I've heard nothing about Bayern Munich, so Arsenal don’t have to rush," Murphy continued. "And it may get to a point where Declan has got a decision to make – has he got the courage to kick up to get out if he needs to?
"I know he's not that type of lad but sometimes you have to be Craig Bellamy, Joey Barton – you've got to look after yourself. I only had it once in my career, but you have to be able to follow through.
"It means you have to make it perfectly clear, 'If you keep me here I won't be playing', and even if you don't really believe it long-term, you have to do it and make them believe. Is it a professional thing to do? It doesn't matter. You've got to look after yourself."
