The England international who was earlier released by Chelsea during his years at the club’s academy is again a person of interest as Chelsea looks to re-sign the West Ham ace.

Meanwhile, Paul Merson has also suggested the Hammer’s man will be a good fit for his former club Arsenal.

In his sky sports column, Merson urged his former club to sign Rice; “Chelsea has been linked with him, but I don’t know why Arsenal are not looking at Declan Rice.

“Arsenal are crying out for a holding midfield player. They don’t need a midfielder who is 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 organize the side, one who, when he gets the ball, gives it simple with 10 yard passes.”

Rice has established himself in the Hammers first team having featured 30 times this season, his player-of-the-season worthy performances have attracted interests from top clubs with Manchester United also looking to sign the 21-year-old.

Mazi chidubem ugwu reporting, obinwannem news.