Jack Wilshere urges Arsenal to complete summer deal for Premier League star who is ‘perfect fit’ for Arteta
Jack Wilshere has backed Arsenal to sign Declan Rice this summer, claiming the West Ham United captain would be a “perfect fit” for the Gunners.
Rice is eager to join a club competing in the Champions League next season, and Arsenal have emerged as the frontrunners to sign him this summer.
The 24-year-old joined the Hammers in 2017 and took over as club captain last year after playing alongside Wilshere during his two-year stay in east London.
Chelsea have long been fans of Rice, who spent time in their academy as a child, and Manchester United have also expressed interest.
But Wilshere, who now manages Arsenal’s Under-18s, believes the midfielder can reach new heights in north London under Mikel Arteta.
‘He’s a versatile midfielder,’ Wilshere told the PA news agency.
‘Anyone who is a fan of any club would want Dec to join.
‘If I’m being selfish, I think he’d be very good in north London under Mikel’s supervision.
‘Mikel would develop him, bring him on even more, and he would be huge for the team as well. I’ve spoken with Dec and told him that what he’s doing is incredible; he’s captain of a major Premier League club and is constantly learning.
‘You have to respect West Ham, that is his club, but his future is in his hands, and it’s very exciting for him because he’s got everything with him now and he’s picking up more and more, he’s growing into this man who could play anywhere.
‘I’m excited to see where he goes. I hope it’s Arsenal because it would be a huge signing and a perfect fit.’
West Ham are resigned to losing their captain at the end of the season, but David Moyes has warned any interested clubs that they must be willing to break the British transfer record, which currently stands at £106 million paid by Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez in January.
‘I think Dec will blow that British record out of the water, that’s for sure, when it comes around,’ Moyes said in February.
