‘He would be a massive signing’: Jack Wilshere insists Declan Rice would be ‘the perfect fit’ at Arsenal… as he looks to lure the West Ham captain – and former team-mate – to the Emirates for a big game. Summer money move
Jack Wilshere believes Declan Rice would be a “perfect fit” at Arsenal and develop as a player under Mikel Arteta.
West Ham captain is One of Arsenal’s main targets this summer And the north London side are ready to splash the cash to secure his signature, with Arsenal leading the race to sign the 24-year-old.
And Rice earned his 41st cap for England in Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier victory over Ukraine, where he was seen talking to full-time left-back Aleksandr Zinchenko.
The defensive midfielder made his West Ham debut in 2017 and was installed as club captain upon Mark Noble’s retirement last summer.
He also spent time playing in the Hammers’ midfield with Wilshere, and the former Arsenal star, now managing the Arsenal Under-18s, has seen enough of Rice’s ability firsthand to conclude he will be a success at the Emirates.
Jack Wilshere (left) thinks Declan Rice (right) would be a ‘perfect fit’ at Arsenal
Wilshere believes the West Ham captain will develop as a player under Mikel Arteta (above)
“He’s a midfielder who can do anything,” Wilshere told PA. Anyone who supports any club wants to join.
If I speak from a selfish point of view, in North London I think he will do very well under Mikel’s stewardship.
Mikel will develop him, bring him more and he will be massive for the team too. I’ve had conversations with December and told him what he’s doing is incredible, he’s the captain of a top team in the Premier League and he’s always learning.
You have to respect West Ham, this is his club, but his future is in his hands and it’s very exciting for him because he has everything with him now and he’s meeting more and more, he’s growing into this guy who can play anywhere.
I look forward to wherever he goes. Hopefully for Arsenal, he would be a tremendous signing and a perfect fit.
Injuries forced Wilshere to retire at the age of 30, having represented Bolton and Bournemouth as well as Arsenal and West Ham.
He has been capped 34 times by England and has impressed with Rice’s performances on the international stage along with teenage sensation Judd Bellingham.
“Des has been doing it now for a few years with England, Judd since the World Cup and he’s been showing glimpses before that,” added Wilshere.
These are two amazing talents – look at them and they can do everything. They can literally do everything – are they ball-winning midfielders? yes they are. Can they create things? Yes they can. Can they disrupt things in midfield? Yes.
Wilshere’s relationship with Rice could help convince him to join Arsenal this year
So they are now setting the standard for any English midfielder or really any Premier League midfielder who is looking to level up or what they need to do.
These boys can do it all and they are physically beasts and they can spot games.
I really enjoyed my time at West Ham with December, loved watching him grow, learn and play, and Judd is one of my favorite players to watch.
“I like the way he’s fearless, he’ll take the ball in any situation and push the team forward and obviously what he does for Dortmund – scoring goals, leading at his age, he’s a special talent.”
