Arsenal cult hero Bacary Sagna has urged the Gunners to make a move for West Ham star Declan Rice.
The 40-year-old spoke highly of the England international on The Games Cabin.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Rice in recent months.
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently told GiveMeSport: “They won’t let go of this without making a strong attempt at getting Declan Rice.
“I would imagine it’s going to be around June time that they’ll look to make their first moves with this transfer, just so they understand exactly where they stand.”
The Games Cabin asked Sagna what he made of speculation linking Arsenal with Rice.
Aside from saying he’s an amazing player, Sagna also suggested he would go well alongside Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka.
“Declan is a top, top player and he’s a key player for West Ham.
“He’s clearly a very good footballer, he’s a natural leader and has a lot of personality.
“Arsenal already has leaders in their team such as Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard obviously, so all these players could play alongside each other.
“It’s a very exciting future for Arsenal and I believe Declan Rice would be a good signing for the club.”
Next level
Arsenal are already a world-class team, but Rice really would take them to the next level.
He’s amazing on and off the ball, is a real leader, has plenty of years ahead of him, and knows the Premier League inside out.
Last year, Jack Wilshere said Rice was the world’s best defensive midfielder and compared him to Sergio Busquets.
He won’t come cheap, and there could well be a bidding war for him, but Arsenal are well placed to land him.
After all, Rice wouldn’t have to leave London and he’d be playing in a team clearly on the up.
If all goes well, he’d be playing for the reigning champions and Champions League competitors (but let’s not jinx it!).
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