John Barnes has explained why he believes should prioritise a move to Arsenal over Manchester City.
captain Rice has emerged as a key target for both Arsenal and Man City this summer as Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola look to bolster their midfield options.
Arsenal were thought to be leading the race to sign Rice but has given Manchester City hope of securing the 24-year-old’s signature.
If he heads to the Etihad Stadium, Rice will be joining a Man City side who won a stunning treble last season and work with one of the greatest mangers in history in Guardiola.
But a move to north London also has its 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.
‘Arsenal have made two bids for which will probably get up to £100m so Arsenal makes more sense,’ former England star Barnes told .
‘Not because they’re better than Man City but because Arsenal are more interested and I think he wants to go to Arsenal. That will be the best thing for him.
‘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.
‘I don’t think Manchester City are as interested in Declan Rice because they’ve got Rodri. And I don’t think Pep wants two holding midfielders.’
While West Ham are ready to sell Rice, they are holding out for an offer worth £100m. Rice has made 245 appearances for the Hammers and 43 for England.
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