Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has claimed that signing West Ham captain Declan Rice would take Arsenal to the next level.
Rice is the Gunners' primary target for the summer transfer window, football.london understands. The England international will be into the final year of his contract at the London Stadium at the end of the current campaign, albeit the Hammers have the option to extend his current deal by a further 12 months.
Rice continues to be linked with a move away from David Moyes' side in recent times and former United defender Ferdinand has now backed the 24-year-old as the man to take Arsenal up a level. Asked about the Hammers captain on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said: "Declan Rice does improve your starting XI, no doubt for me, if you do go and get him.
READ MORE: Barcelona hand Mikel Arteta dream Arsenal striker transfer chance with bargain £17m summer offer
"But it’s whether the price is going to be a price that Arsenal agree with and that West Ham accept. I think there might be a big disparity between where both clubs are at the moment.
"If they can close that gap and get it done, I think Declan Rice, as part of your culture driving, as having somebody that wants to improve, that can improve others, that gels squads together, he’s a real team player. That’s not even talking about his ability as a footballer, I think he’s fantastic.
"And I think there’s levels to jump for him ability-wise. He’s someone that wants to learn and is always striving to improve.
"And I think doing that at a club like Arsenal – whose aspirations are different to West Ham, no disrespect, they are – I think he’ll have a real opportunity to really improve himself as a player and go to another level."
Who is your Arsenal player of the season? Have your say by voting below!
READ NEXT:
Arsenal handed £95m Declan Rice setback as Mikel Arteta gets Pep Guardiola transfer green light
Declan Rice signs as Mikel Arteta learns from Liverpool mistake - Arsenal priorities for 2023/24
Pep Guardiola gives Mikel Arteta Arsenal transfer green light to sign £35m Manchester City star
Josh Kroenke can offset £300m Arsenal summer transfer spend with six shrewd decisions
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: £95m Declan Rice bid, James Maddison move, Joao Cancelo twist
