Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has weighed in on the Declan Rice debate, believing that the West Ham midfielder has to choose rivals Manchester City for the good of his career.
Rice, 24, broke into the Hammers' first team during the 2016/17 campaign, where he has since made 204 Premier League appearances. Having now captained the club to their first major trophy - the Europa Conference League - since 1980, speculation has been rife about the England international's future.
It appears Manchester City are now lined up to challenge Arsenal for his signature, and as another former club of Fowler's, the subject of why the treble-winners are the perfect club for Rice was the primary focus of his latest column for The Mirror.
"If Declan Rice wants to win trophies then he must sign for Manchester City," Fowler started bluntly. "Apologies to any Arsenal fans who think that the West Ham midfielder can realise his full potential by moving across the capital. The reality is that the Gunners are a work in progress who punched above their weight last season - and still finished second to City.
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"The one thing a player is guaranteed when they sign up for Pep Guardiola at the Etihad is a bag full of medals. Just ask the last midfielder who cost City £100 million. Since leaving Aston Villa two years ago, Jack Grealish has won the Champions League, two Premier League titles and the FA Cup. No wonder Jack felt like celebrating after City clinched the treble!
"My former club are serial winners. Apparently, City are ready to gazump the Gunners in the bidding for Rice - and you can be sure West Ham chairman David Sullivan will squeeze every penny out of the deal."
After explaining why City are the ideal club, the old Liverpool no.9 then turned his attention to his thoughts on Rices' own role in this summer's decision to stay in the capital or move up north.
He added: "Ultimately, the decision will be down to Rice. He can leave the Hammers with his head held high after captaining them to the Europa Conference League earlier this month.
"Arsenal will hope home comforts might convince him to turn down a move to the north west, but the world is a small place. Rice could fly from Manchester to London in about the same time it would take him to drive from Rush Green to London Colney.
"Declan will retire as a wealthy man whether he signs for City, Arsenal or stays at the Olympic Stadium. And, anyway, he doesn’t strike me as someone who is motivated by money.
Rice’s decision will be made on what is best for his career. And, in my opinion, that means signing on the dotted line for City."
