Arsenal backed to sign their own Casemiro and Rodri in ‘perfect’ Declan Rice

Arsenal would be the “perfect” destination for Declan Rice, according to Tim Sherwood. The former Tottenham boss claims the England star can become as good as the likes of Casemiro and Rodri if he moves to the Emirates.

Rice is a top target for Arsenal this summer. Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are also interested in the West Ham captain.

The Gunners are thought to be the favourites to land his signature. However, the Hammers would demand a fee of at least £100million.

Sherwood believes it is time Rice moved on from the east London club. He claims the midfielder has the attributes of United star Casemiro and City ace Rodri and will only build on that if he joins Arsenal.

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Sherwood told William Hill: “I would be surprised if he was still there [at West Ham] next season. I think it’s time to do the right thing by the player and you could say possibly the same thing with Harry Kane – they have been great servants to their clubs and it’s right for them to move on to progress their careers.

“He’s been heavily linked with Arsenal and I think that would be a perfect move for him. I think he’d make a real difference. It looks like Granit Xhaka is going to move on with it being the end of his contract and Declan looks the perfect player to slot into that role and improve it.

“For me, Declan [Rice] can play in some of the best teams in the world as a number six. I see him in that Casemiro or Rodri role and I think behind those two players, he’s next in line.

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“He will add goals. Both Casemiro and Rodri chip in with goals and Declan does as well but just not as many because he’s occupied with the defensive stuff.”

Rice is closing in on 250 appearances for West Ham in all competitions. Sherwood says the club’s fans will not begrudge him of a move to a Champions League side.

He added: “West Ham has been brilliant for Declan Rice. They’ve developed him as a player and he’s done brilliantly. I think he’s paid them back now and I don’t even think the West Ham fans would begrudge him a move.

“He leaves nothing on the pitch and I think now is possibly the time, if he wants to leave, that the hierarchy there would do the right thing by him. It will cost a lot of money because that’s what he’s worth.”

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