Former England International John Barnes gives advice to Declan Rice over Arsenal or Manchester City transfer.
West Ham United captain, Declan Rice, is at the top of both Arsenal and Manchester City's transfer lists as they look to improve their squads for next season.
Former Liverpool, Watford and England International John Barnes believes that there is only one option Rice should be looking at.
Barnes has told FutFanatico that the better move for the 24-year-old would be to make the short journey across London to the Emirates.
"I don't think Manchester City are interested in Declan Rice because they've got Rodri, and I don't think Pep [Guardiola] wants two holding midfielders."
It's a similar situation that Kalvin Phillips has found himself in since moving from Leeds United in the 2022 summer transfer window.
"Arsenal have made two bids for which will probably get up to £100m, so Arsenal makes more sense. Not because they're better than [Manchester] City but because Arsenal are more interested, and I think he wants to go to Arsenal. That will be the best thing for him," Barnes continued.
"[Declan] Rice will fit into Arsenal's way of playing in that holding midfield role. £100m for Rice means he goes straight into that Arsenal team as the holding midfielder. Protecting that back four and bringing solidity which is what the Arsenal team needs."
"[Romeo] Lavia is young, and he's a good player. Declan Rice is the number one target."
If Rice heads to the Etihad Stadium, he will join a Manchester City side that won a formidable treble last season and will get to work with one of the greatest managers in modern football.
But a move to north London also has benefits, as Rice will strengthen a team that challenged for the Premier League title last season and has been tipped as a future Arsenal captain if he does switch to the Gunners.
While West Ham seems ready to sell Rice, they are holding out for an offer worth £100m.
The England international has made 245 appearances for the Hammers since his debut against Burnley in 2017 and lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League trophy, West Ham's first major silverware since their 1980 FA Cup triumph.