Former Manchester United star backs Declan Rice to shine at Arsenal

Declan Rice would be a great success at Arsenal, believes former Gunners and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre, with the north London side emerging as genuine contenders for his signature.

The midfielder has long been linked with a move away from West Ham, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City all touted as possible destinations for him.

As recently as last season Arsenal would not have been seen as having a realistic chance of beating those clubs to sign Rice, but as they sit top of the Premier League table heading into March, they now have a great chance.

Still just 24 years old but with over 200 first team appearances for West Ham and 39 caps for England, Silvestre can only see Rice being a success at Arsenal, where he thinks he would slot straight into Mikel Arteta’s style of play.

‘I think Declan Rice would fit very well into Arsenal´s way of playing,’ Silvestre told bettingexpert.com. ‘I don’t think he would find it difficult and he would adapt quite quickly.

‘He is a proper engine and he is very good on the ball as well. I don´t think there would be a particular issue with him adapting if he is arriving.

‘I think he would perform very well just as he does for West Ham and England.’

Rice is only under contract at West Ham until next year, but there is no immediate need to cash in on him as the club has an option to extend by a further year.

It may be that this summer is the time to get the biggest transfer fee possible for him, though, with the Hammers looking for the best part of £100m for their prized asset.

MORE : Louis Saha tells Manchester United to snub England stars Mason Mount and Declan Rice

MORE : Declan Rice questions David Moyes’ tactics as pressure mounts on West Ham boss

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.