AFTV and DR Sports caught up with Arsenal U18s coach Jack Wilshere at the Soccer Aid 2023 in Manchester this week.
The former Gunners midfielder admitted that he wants Arsenal to sign West Ham skipper Declan Rice this summer amid transfer speculation over a potential move to north London.
It’s no secret that Arsenal are interested in Rice, as reports suggest manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are targeting the England international as their priority signing for the summer window.
Wilshere, who played with Rice during his stint at West Ham from 2018-2020, has told AFTV that he hopes Arsenal can land the 24-year-old, as he would be “sensational” for the next decade, and could also be captain one day.
What did Wilshere have to say about Rice?
Wilshere said: “I saw his interview last night [after the Europa Conference League final] and I think he made it clear that he knows there’s speculation and everyone knows that Arsenal are interested.
“Listen, I’d love to see Dec [at Arsenal]. I think what Dec has done as a young player for his club West Ham, for England. Like to lift a trophy [the Europa Conference League with West Ham], but also he’s their main man and to have that on your shoulders at 23, 24, is special.”
Wilshere added: “Anyone that gets him, I hope it is Arsenal because I think he’ll be sensational for the next eight to ten years and eventually he could be an Arsenal captain. So I hope he does come, but it’s down to him.”
Reports out of England on Friday suggest Arsenal are inching closer to reaching an agreement with West Ham over the fee for Rice, with The Independent journalist Miguel Delaney reporting “a fee is almost agreed.”
Additionally, according to the Daily Mail, Arsenal believes they are front runners to land Rice’s signature and are prioritizing the deal with West Ham before making any final decisions on other transfer targets.
Watch the full interview with Jack Wilshere below!
Soccer Aid 2023
Tickets for Soccer Aid For UNICEF on Sunday 11th June 2023 at Old Trafford, are still available HERE with a family of four able to attend for just £60 — two adults and two children.
Donate to Soccer Aid for UNICEF HERE
The Claude Cup 2023
The Claude Cup returns this month featuring AFTV vs DR Sports All-Stars on Saturday 24 June at the New River Stadium. Grab your tickets for the Claude Cup 2023 HERE
