Jack Wilshere hopes ‘special’ West Ham captain Declan Rice will ‘actually’ join Arsenal

Jack Wilshere is keen for Declan Rice to join Arsenal from West Ham – and believes it’s a move that could see the England midfielder captain the Gunners in the future.

Rice’s future is set to become one of the stories of the summer as a number of elite European clubs are interested in his services.

It is believed that alongside Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also closely watching his situation.

And West Ham chairman David Sullivan admitted the player probably played his last game in winning the Europa Conference League trophy with the Hammers when he beat Fiorentina 2-1 in Prague on Wednesday night.

Wilshere – who briefly played for the Hammers from 2018-2020 – insisted Rice was a “special” player who should rather move to north London than any of his other suitors.

Jack Wilshere believes Declan Rice should choose the Arsenal move over his other suitors

The England midfielder is being courted by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Bayern Munich

I saw his [post Europa Conference League] “I think he made it clear in the interview that he knows there is speculation and everyone knows Arsenal are interested,” he told AFTV.

Hear what Dec did for a young player, for his club West Ham, for England to lift a trophy. But he’s also her most important man, carrying that on his shoulders at 23, 24 is special.‌

“So if anyone gets him then I hope it’s Arsenal because I think he’s going to be sensational over the next eight to 10 years and he could eventually be Arsenal captain.” So I hope he comes, but it’s up to him.’

Mail Sport have previously revealed Arsenal are looking to rush into a £90m deal for the 24-year-old England star this summer.

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

Another focus is believed to be placed in the center of the park as Granit Xhaka is set to end his long association with the club with a move to the Bundesliga.

Mail Sport also announced that the Hammers intend to pay the guaranteed portion of Rice’s transfer fee by next summer.

There appears to be a consensus at West Ham that the player will leave, with Sullivan admitting the club ‘promised’ Rice he could continue.

Rice led West Ham to their first European title since 1965 with a 2-1 win over Fiorentina

Mikel Arteta (left) and Thomas Tuchel (right) are both interested in signing the England midfielder

vSpeak to talkSPORT On Thursday, Sullivan said, “I think it has to be like that.” [his last game]. We promised him he could go. He let go of his heart.

“You couldn’t wish for a man who has been more committed to us this season.” Eventually he’ll have to step in and we’ll have to find a replacement – or more replacements.

“We don’t want that to happen.” We offered him £200,000 a week 18 months ago. He refused.

“It has cost him £10million to stay at West Ham during that period (in lost wages). And he wants to go. “You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there.”