Jack Wilshere thinks Arsenal are title contenders, if they spend £80m on midfield star from London rivals

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Jack Wilshere has told TalkSPORT’s Premier League season preview that he believes Arsenal can be title contenders with the signing of Declan Rice. The West Ham United midfielder looks set to remain at the London Stadium this summer. But Wilshere thinks Rice makes Arsenal a genuine title contender.

Rice, 22, has enjoyed a stellar 12 months. Captaining West Ham into the Europa League, the England star was one of Gareth Southgate’s best players as they reached the final of Euro 2020. Now, he returns to West ham and it looks as if he will stay with the Hammers – at least for the 21-22 campaign.

But Wilshere – who played for both Arsenal and West Ham of course – has made a transfer suggestion. Initially, Wilshere states that any team that signs Rice instantly make themselves title contenders. Then, he says Arsenal are included in that, saying the Gunners could be title contenders with Rice.

“Whoever signs Declan Rice, becomes title favourites,” Wilshere told TalkSPORT’s Preview Show on YouTube. “I would include Arsenal in that. If they had Partey and Rice next to eachother and let the front five run wild. I mean it.” Asked how much Rice will cost, Wilshere said: “£80m”.

Arsenal have little chance of getting Rice from West Ham – amid Wilshere claim

Rice’s likeliest move does see him remain in the capital, but it is not Arsenal. Of course, he has been strongly linked with Chelsea. Rice came through the ranks alongside best mate Mason Mount at Chelsea – before leaving for West Ham. Chelsea have money, title credentials and Champions League football.

If Chelsea were serious about Rice, they could get him. This summer, though, it looks as if Chelsea will look to bring in a striker rather than a midfielder and next summer could be a possibility. Arsenal are mid-table, and do not have Europe. The chances of them getting Rice is zero.