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Jack Wilshere makes huge Declan Rice to Arsenal claim as Mikel Arteta closes in on £92m transfer

  /  autty

Arsenal are prioritising a move for West Ham captain Declan Rice in the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta targets two central midfield signings

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "I think it has to be [Rice's final game for West Ham]. We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going.

"You can’t ask for a man who has committed more to us this season. In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements.

"It’s not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down. It’s cost him £10million to stay at West Ham in that time (in lost wages). And he wants to go. You can’t keep a player who doesn’t want to be there."

Rice was coy over his future in discussion with BT Sport after the Hammers' Europa Conference League success, saying: "Look at the moment, there's obviously a lot of speculation going on about my future. Obviously there is interest from other clubs, that's out there, but ultimately I still have two-years left at West Ham.

"I love this club, I love playing for this club, there hasn't been nothing yet, so look my focus is playing for West Ham, enjoying tonight and seeing what happens. I'm captain of this club, I absolutely love it to pieces, I cannot speak highly enough of this place and let's just see what happens."

But Wilshere can see the England interantional taking the armband at some point if he does become a Gunner. Wilshere told AFTV: "I saw his interview, I think he made it clear that he knows there's speculation and everyone knows that Arsenal are interested.

"Listen, what Dec's done for a young player, for his club West Ham, for England, to lift a trophy. But also he's their main man, to have that on your shoulders at 23, 24 is special.

"So if anyone gets him, I hope it is Arsenal because I think he will be sensational for the next eight to 10 years and he eventually could be an Arsenal captain. So I hope he does come but it's down to him."