Arsenal Under-18s coach Jack Wilshere believes the club hold an advantage in the race for West Ham captain Declan Rice – as he can one day be skipper for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The Gunners are reportedly willing to break their transfer record to pay £90million to West Ham and offer Rice £300,000-a-week. Rice is their number one priority, but the North London club will face plenty of competition for his services.
The 24-year-old held talks with Bayern Munich chiefs last week, as the Germans champions’ manager Thomas Tuchel hopes to make him his new midfield linchpin. Although discussions with the German giants were positive, it is believed that the player’s is to remain in the Premier League.
Rice has also been linked with a move to Manchester United this summer. However, United’s priorities are the signing of at least one new striker this summer alongside right-back and goalkeeper, while they are also in advanced talks to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
Mount and Rice have been lifelong close friends and whilst the opportunity to play for the same club would appeal to both, United’s transfer budget this summer will not stretch to include the Hammers skipper – giving Arsenal a clear advantage.
Wilshere, who made just shy of 200 first-team appearances for the Gunners in an injury-hit career, believes Rice can take that particular mantle at the club in the future. Former central midfielder Wilshere currently works as Arsenal’s Under-18 coach.
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Wilshere explained to AFTV: “I saw his [post Europa Conference League] interview, I think he made it clear that he knows there is speculation, and everyone knows that Arsenal are interested.
“Listen, what Dec has done for a young player, for his club West Ham, for England, to lift a trophy. But also he is their main man, to have that on your shoulders at 23, 24 is special.
“So if anyone gets him, I hope it is Arsenal because I think he will be sensational for the next eight to 10 years and he eventually could be an Arsenal captain. So, I hope he does come but it’s down to him.”
Rice is believed to have played his final game for the Hammers, after skippering the club to this week’s Europa Conference League title. The trophy was the East London club’s first title in 43 years, and was achieved with a dramatic late victory over Fiorentina.
