Jack Wilshere 'hopes' former West Ham teammate Declan Rice joins Arsenal

Jack Wilshere hopes Declan Rice joins Arsenal this summer, believing it would be the "perfect fit".

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from West Ham this summer, after rejecting multiple offers to stay at the club.

The Emirates has emerged as a potential destination, with Mikel Arteta allegedly keen to add another midfielder to his ranks this summer to help cope with the pressures of European football.

Indeed, Rice is keen on playing in the Champions League and Arsenal have a place in next season's competition all but secured.

A conversation with Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko after the full-time whistle of England's 2-0 win over Ukraine on Sunday only added to fuel to speculation.

Meanwhile Wilshere, who briefly partnered Rice in the Hammers' midfield during a short spell with the club between 2018 and 2020, has seen enough to know he would shine in north London.

Wilshere: I hope it is Arsenal

Wilshere currently manages Arsenal's under-18s and has his fingers crossed Rice will choose to join Arsenal in the summer, with a whole host of clubs including Chelsea eyeing up a move for the Englishman.

"He's a midfielder who can do anything," Wilshere told the PA news agency.

"Anyone who supports any club would want Dec to join.

Wilshere revealed he has had private conversations with the West Ham captain, stating that Arteta would bring out the best in him.

"If I'm talking from a selfish point of view, in north London, I think he would be very good under Mikel's watch," added Wilshere.

"Mikel would develop him, bring him on even more and he would be massive for the team as well. I have had conversations with Dec and told him what he is doing in unbelievable, he is captain of a big Premier League club and is always learning.

"You have to be respectful to West Ham, that is his club, but his future is in his hands and it's very exciting for him because he's got everything with him now and he's picking up more and more, he's growing into this man who could play anywhere.

"I'm looking forward to wherever he goes. I hope it is Arsenal, it would be a massive signing and a perfect fit."