Stan Collymore has urged Declan Rice to “forget Arsenal,” as he feels the midfielder “has to go” to Manchester City to play under Pep Guardiola if they come in for him.

That Rice will be moving onto a bigger side than West Ham this summer is almost certain. With his contract ending next summer, the Hammers will want to receive a fee for him if they’re to see him go.

In truth, his price tag is probably the only reason he’s not already been the subject of a big move.

Indeed, he was probably ready to play for a ‘big-six’ side two or three seasons ago. A number of the Premier League’s big hitters: Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, have all been linked with him at one time or another.

However, David Moyes has maintained that his captain will command a huge fee if he is to leave, likely still in the region of £100million.

When Rice had more time left on his contract, that figure would’ve been even higher, with the West Ham manager suggesting in 2021 he was valued at “far, far more than £100million”.

There are a few sides in the mix for Rice’s signature, as a result of his starring role for both the Hammers and England over the past few years.

Arsenal appear to be out in the lead at the moment, due to the fact they’re reportedly already in discourse with West Ham over the details of the signing.

Collymore tells Rice to ‘forget Arsenal’

While the Gunners might hold the advantage at the moment, Rice has been told by Collymore to forget about them and any other interested side if Man City come calling.

“If Manchester City come for Declan Rice this summer then he has to go there,” he told the Sunday People.

“Forget Arsenal, forget Chelsea, forget Manchester United. And forget the way things have worked out for Kalvin Phillips at the Etihad, too.

“No player in his right mind would turn City down in the next couple of seasons and for as long as Pep Guardiola remains there.”

Indeed, the opportunity to play under one of world football’s greatest ever managers would be a fantastic one. With that being said, Mikel Arteta is already showing himself to be a very competent manager just a few years into his coaching career.

Rice should succeed at either club

If it is Arsenal and Man City in a battle for Rice come the summer, he’ll be in a fantastic position. Indeed, it’s a win-win for him, given the two sides will finish first and second in the league this season, though it’s not yet confirmed which way around.

A move to City would solidify their midfield, with Ilkay Gundogan potentially leaving for Barcelona. They’d surely be able to maintain their dominance having added Rice into the mix.

For Arsenal, the signing of the Englishman could be what they need to push for the title again next season. While they’ve slipped up late this term and it looks like City will prevail, adding Rice into the mix could mean the Gunners go the distance next time around.

As such, he’ll be well placed to succeed at either club, and will likely slot right into which ever one he ends up at, if either.

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The article Declan Rice: Prem star urged to ‘forget Arsenal’ and link up with elite manager – ‘He has to’ appeared first on Teamtalk.com.