Ex-England international tells Declan Rice to reject Arsenal for Man City

'Why would he want to play for Arsenal?'

Rice is one of the most sought-after players this summer and has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal, as well as both Manchester clubs with the midfielder allowed to leave so long as their £100m valuation is met.

Arsenal were believed to be the frontrunners to land his signature but recent days have seen Man City overtake them in the pecking order and James thinks that it is a no-brainer for Rice to turn down the Gunners' advances to sign for the Treble winners.

"Why would he want to play for Arsenal? One team are the European, FA Cup and Premier League champions - the other is neither, or none," he told Sky Sports.

"I'd rather he went abroad. Because then he won't be in a team that might want to beat West Ham and that would be something I think a lot of West Ham fans wouldn't like.

"Declan is top-drawer and Man City are the best team in Europe - and are probably going to be the best team in the world in few months if they win the Club World Cup.

"If Declan Rice is part of that it's because he deserves to be, so all the best to him if it happens."

James himself has strong links to Man City having made 100 appearances for the Citizens as well as featuring 104 times for West Ham.

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