Former Chelsea defender William Gallas believes Declan Rice must "go to another level" if he wants to be considered a world class midfielder. The West Ham captain has impressed for the Hammers in recent seasons and is widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League.
His future at the London Stadium is in doubt, however, due to him having less than 18 months remaining on his contract. football.london understands Rice is Arsenal's main transfer priority this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield options even further.
It's understood Edu wanted to sign two midfielders over the January and summer transfer windows, with Jorginho - following his deadline day move from Chelsea - presumably taking one of those spots. Since Arsenal's interest in Rice has been made public, however, the England midfielder has come in for some criticism.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has already revealed Arsenal will use secret weapon against Sporting CP
During West Ham's FA Cup fifth-round defeat against Man United last week, former Red Devils captain Roy Keane claimed that Rice has not done enough this season to warrant a big move, stating that the 24-year-old needs to add more goals and assists to his game.
"He has first got to focus on West Ham and doing well for the rest of the season, but I don’t think he has been great this season," Keane told ITV. "I don’t think he has kicked on for all the talk there has been about him – he needs to do a lot more."
Ex-defender Gallas has agreed with Keane and has called on Rice to prove his worth in the coming months. Speaking to Genting Casino the 45-year-old said: "He is right, he’s not worth £100 million! That is not his value yet, but it goes back to what I was saying earlier about players who want to get to the top and how they have to be consistent.
"He plays for West Ham and he has had a few great seasons, but he has to go to another level and when you play for the big clubs it is completely different. You are around players who are different, they are at your level or maybe even better. You have to adapt.
"That is why we have to wait to see if he can fit in well at a big club and, then, if he has a great season, his value will go up. So, I agree with Roy Keane."
Of course, it remains to be seen whether Rice will move away from the Hammers in the summer transfer window. But if Arsenal go on to win the Premier League and maybe even the Europa League, the Emirates Stadium will certainly be an attractive option.
READ NEXT:
Thierry Henry sends Sporting CP message to Mikel Arteta amid Gabriel Jesus Arsenal return hint
Arsenal line-ups vs Sporting CP with Gabriel Jesus decision, Nelson starts as Kiwior makes debut
Every word Gabriel Martinelli said on Bukayo Saka contract, Jesus return and Vieira friendship
Arsenal guaranteed to avoid dreaded Europa League scenario after key UEFA rule change
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
