Former England goalkeeper David James has told Declan Rice to join Manchester City and questioned why the West Ham captain would be considering a move to Arsenal.
Rice is the subject of an intense three-way bidding war between Arsenal, Manchester United and Premier League champions City with the midfielder granted permission to leave the Hammers if their triple digit valuation is met.
The Gunners were thought to be in pole position for his signature before City's late intervention, meanwhile Man United are monitoring the situation and are reportedly considering making a player-plus-cash offer.
However, James thinks it should be an easy choice for Rice to make and brutally told Rice to reject Arsenal's advances in favour of a move to the Etihad.
'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,' he added.
James' preference for the defensive midfield star to move to the north west should come as no surprise given his career links to Pep Guardiola's side.
The now-retired shot-stopper made 100 appearances for Manchester City and similarly featured between the sticks for West Ham 104 times.
Rice could be set to have the final say on his next destination if both Arsenal and City meet his £100million asking price this summer with the fee not expected to be a stumbling block for either club.
There were initial concerns over the payment period offered by Arsenal, however they appear to have refocused their efforts after reports of Man City's interest.
AverageS4v4g3
0
All you Arsenal fans talking about the bench, if he's up for the task he will play because Pep doesn't play players based on name but performance. Still, Kalvin Phillips already has more notable trophies than Arsenal could ever land in the past 20 years
simackpr
0
And we will laugh after him when the medical test is done
gunnerfc
0
He cant be English and wants Rice to stay on the bench, he will definitely win things but James must be smoking if he thinks Rice can displace Rodri from the team. Kalvin Phillips couldnt
Jaoaciou
0
David james should go back to India where he was playing earlier.
saodeklm
0
David James can just blow Declan instead of sharing his thoughts. that'd help him make a better decision
SKYMYOMINN
0
Our teams have the best attacking medfield ..we only need the best defensive medfield play like the lion..
not rice..let him go
SKYMYOMINN
0
Our teams have the best attacking medfield ..we only need the best defensive medfield play like the lion..
SKYMYOMINN
0
left him go to mancity..we don't need him..we need the best defensive medfielder.we need to search play as A lion in the Medfield..
ericklihanda007
0
man city to warm bench
MarkMillz
0
We can tell you still have milk in your mouth...sit down and do your research before you shame yourself
Mumu man what I am saying is the truth. Remember how you Arsenal fans were running your mouth in January hahahha we will win the league hahaha childish and noisy fans. Keep quiet.
tupcekostz
0
Ridiculous! yeah, join Man City you would be another Kalvin Phillips. Go lay down somewhere David James.
Jizablprsy
1
Well said David James, Man City can have him.
Yoocdeknoz
0
Arsenal is a very small club. They know they cannot compete with Mancity. If we truly need Rice then he will surely join us. Arsenal is a very useless and small club. Average manager and average players expecting to win trophy hahahaha. They will be knocked out of the CL at group stage. Useless club with useless fans. CTID.
We can tell you still have milk in your mouth...sit down and do your research before you shame yourself
naycdilz
0
who be this one?
onah¥€××××××××××××××
1
with $100m Arsenal can get Camavinga from r.Madrid and Navas from wolves...lets forget about Rice and move on to beans
teeacdlpr
1
some fans are mad between Arsenal and Man City which one is big
city
Woubdikyz
1
yet england current best player over the years plays in Arsenal @saka
Yuabcdmnty
0
Just do it!!
[image]
Rice cant bench Bernado or Rodri or KDB in midfield so whats the point of adding Phillips in the team
TiyanjaneChalamwendo
3
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...
Fobeimrtu
1
All this noise is just to pull man city leg to sign him, also to make Arsenal add more money, City have not made a single offer for him, the moment they do that no debate, but come to think of it why will city sign him? except they will sell Philip and Rice will take over the bench because Rice can't bench Rodri at all. so if he wants to play regularly Arsenal is the best for him.
jigasmg
2
Arsenal is a very small club. They know they cannot compete with Mancity. If we truly need Rice then he will surely join us. Arsenal is a very useless and small club. Average manager and average players expecting to win trophy hahahaha. They will be knocked out of the CL at group stage. Useless club with useless fans. CTID.
You have peanuts for Brains when, how many league titles does arsenal have compared to city? City just had a cash inject at the turn of the century and now they are a big club? You should have your head examined
MarkMillz
1
Arsenal is a very small club. They know they cannot compete with Mancity. If we truly need Rice then he will surely join us. Arsenal is a very useless and small club. Average manager and average players expecting to win trophy hahahaha. They will be knocked out of the CL at group stage. Useless club with useless fans. CTID.
howdmoprtu
1
Arsenal don't need him after all
KingEric
2
Just do it!!
Yawoozo
3
But Rice is not world class but a common food for humanity
Wenbdikluz
2
David James would do well to stay off the shoulders of Arsenal which team became household long before his so called yet to be world champions Man Ciry. He has displayed enough hate for Arsenal which easily questions his fair play mentality. Being a top athlete, I expect him to be more decorous & circumspect iin his soccer contributions. He should learn from his peers. Ebow Bossman Ghana.
Vezonic22
0
Joining the Winning Team is what looks favorable until it doesn't end up well while there. Maybe it could be a great transfer, like how Grealish is now enjoying his transfer.
Dramz13
1
For David James Rice should just go and be on bench watching Rodri play for him.....is that what Rice wants.... remember Philips was first choice for England before moving to Man city now see...he can not be called.
Fopdekmtz
2
No wonder David James is often labeled an underachiever. He lack sense.
Sihaimnp
0
James dat was full of calamity during his days as a goalkeeper... mumu career mis road... u went to Liverpool during your days and flopped like a mumu man, still flopped in every team you played for, don't even know u and Maguire who scored own goals pass each other... useless man, Rice can still see how mumu Garry Linker and Emile Heskey advised Verdy and where it landed him after all, Rice is wiser and knows he can grow without qualms @Arsenal better than @ City where they have Rodri and Philips who's yet to make his mark @d club
stop talking nonsense you better be sure what you are saying becoz last season was your last season to be on top 4 and you will be group on the group of death by uefa
Sihaimnp
0
If he comes to city he win trophies If he goes to arsenal he wins shame 🤭
as I repeat kalvin Phillips has injuries but he will prove himself in the following season and rice can play as no8
winabcekls
1
If he comes to city he win trophies If he goes to arsenal he wins shame 🤭
He’ll dig on city’s bench and win trophies like Calvin Phillips
winabcekls
3
Rice would just replace calvin Philips on the bench.
hibabcdnop
0
what Rice only to cook 😨
boacinoru
2
Calamity James stay quiet what did you do for England apart from bringing them Calamity
Destrothegoat
5
If he comes to city he win trophies If he goes to arsenal he wins shame 🤭
jekackpr
0
he is not even worth 80mil, he is an English player only, he will fail in European level
1broh
3
Rice going to man city 😂😂
Peaceking16
2
IF DECLAN RICE💎 DOES MOVE TO CITY💙 OVER ARSENAL❤ ,HE HAS SURELY ASSURED HIMSELF TROPHIES🙌🙌 AND GOOD FOOTBALL💯💯
ARTILLERYBN77
1
better Truth
cekbcelmop
0
We don't need him in city. Not good enough, he is only hyped by the English media
tell them please
cekbcelmop
0
Rice???? which Rice are you people even talking about???? The Rice i know doesn't word even €50m come to think of it he should consider his possible playing time which he'll not get in City, after all he's an injury player a scammer come on.
nyapan
0
Arsenal not big club to play
some fans are mad between Arsenal and Man City which one is big
Meshybaba
0
I think a player can be more proud when he makes a team successful than joining a successful team already. Now what can be counted on you?
Ask JJ OKOCHA about that
Zowdinoyz
0
stop forcing Arsenal to make stupid deal he is not worth even 50
Focilps
1
how can a player want to go to arsenal, knowing fully well he won't win anything, man city is good for him, that is if man city wants him
Reabcdeoz
2
James dat was full of calamity during his days as a goalkeeper... mumu career mis road... u went to Liverpool during your days and flopped like a mumu man, still flopped in every team you played for, don't even know u and Maguire who scored own goals pass each other... useless man, Rice can still see how mumu Garry Linker and Emile Heskey advised Verdy and where it landed him after all, Rice is wiser and knows he can grow without qualms @Arsenal better than @ City where they have Rodri and Philips who's yet to make his mark @d club
Zeeeeeeeeeek
1
We don't need him in city. Not good enough, he is only hyped by the English media
Nutbcinory
0
Grealish, foden, john stone, walker all are champions league and premier league holders. Can Arsenal guarantee that for Rice? Even Ordegaad is angry with Arsenal.. if man City knock at Ordegard door I tell you he will willingly put a transfer. Even Rashford if man city come knocking he will leave Manchester United. Every player wants a successful Team. Aside money trophies are next.
That’s already made players like mbappe and Vinicious Junior not upgrading Prayers like Rice and others.
habcdikrsy
0
Grealish, foden, john stone, walker all are champions league and premier league holders. Can Arsenal guarantee that for Rice? Even Ordegaad is angry with Arsenal.. if man City knock at Ordegard door I tell you he will willingly put a transfer. Even Rashford if man city come knocking he will leave Manchester United. Every player wants a successful Team. Aside money trophies are next.
I think a player can be more proud when he makes a team successful than joining a successful team already. Now what can be counted on you?