Arsenal transfer target Declan Rice given two reasons to pick Gunners over Chelsea in plea | Football | Sport

Arsenal icon Emmanuel Petit has given West Ham captain Declan Rice two reasons why he should pick the Gunners over a summer transfer to Chelsea in a plea to the England midfielder. Mikel Arteta’s outfit are reportedly the favourites to land Rice this summer, as the Hammers are resigned to losing their star man.

Rice has turned down the opportunity to renew his contract at the London Stadium on several occasions and will likely leave West Ham in search of Champions League football. Arsenal currently have the best chance of finishing in the top four as they are sitting top of the Premier League table and Petit has told Rice that if he wants to improve as a player and win trophies, he should move to the Emirates this summer.

“Declan if you’re listening, my message is very simple. If you want to improve – you’re already a great player – and win silverware, you have to come to Arsenal,” Petit told beIN SPORTS. “I am sorry West Ham fans but I think there is no choice but for him to come here [the Emirates].”

Arsenal are thought to be leading the race to sign the Hammers skipper, though they will face competition from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. West Ham look set to have dropped their previous £150million valuation of the England star, and he could be available for around £85m this summer – which would break Arsenal’s transfer record.