News

Wilshire wants Declan Rice

|

Wilshere wants Declan Rice

Former West Ham sicknote Jack Wilshere wants Declan Rice to join the Gooners.

Wilshire had a nightmare spell with West Ham making just 19 appearances in all competitions during his time at the club.

The former England midfielder was on top wages at the club but was barely seen following a move to the club which turned out to be pretty disastrous.

And he suffered at our hands again this season when, as coach of their under 18s team, he saw the Hammers youngsters beat then to win the FA Youth Cup.

Now, however, he has spoken of his hopes that Declan Rice will join Arsenal this season and sees him as a likely former captain of the club.

He said: ‘I saw his [post Europa Conference League] interview, I think he made it clear that he knows there is speculation, and everyone knows that Arsenal are interested,’ 

‘Listen, what Dec has done for a young player, for his club West Ham, for England, to lift a trophy. But also he is their main man, to have that on your shoulders at 23, 24 is special.‌

‘So if anyone gets him, I hope it is Arsenal because I think he will be sensational for the next eight to 10 years and he eventually could be an Arsenal captain. So, I hope he does come but it’s down to him.’

Midfield is believed to be a priority area in their summer recruitment plans, as the Gunners look to regroup after their disappointing end to the season.

Further emphasis is believed to be on the middle of the park, with Granit Xhaka set to end his long association with the club with a move to the Bundesliga.

Should it happen the Hammers want the guaranteed portion of Rice’s transfer fee paid by next summer.

Share this article

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon