Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice during this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old has not missed a single minute of Premier League action for the Hammers this season and even captained the side against Leicester City back in December.
Chelsea are allegedly weighing up a move for the England international ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, but Merson has claimed that Arsenal are "crying out" for a player of Rice's ilk.
"Chelsea have been linked with him, but I don't know why Arsenal aren't looking at Declan Rice," Merson told Sky Sports News.
"Arsenal are crying out for a holding midfield player. They don't need a midfielder who's going to be on the edge of the opposition box, they need a disciplined defensive midfielder, who is going to sit in front of the back four and organise the side; one who, when he gets the ball, gives it simple with 10-yard passes.
"It's such a hard job and that's why I can't believe Arsenal aren't going in for a player like Rice. A player like Rice can allow the attacking players to flourish and it gives the central defenders the chance to be better than what they are."
Rice's current deal at the London Stadium runs until the summer of 2024.
Matt Law
