Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand tells Declan Rice to join Arsenal this summer

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has explained why West Ham star Declan Rice should leave the club to join Arsenal this summer.

Rice has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium since January, when The Times reported that the Hammers captain was Arsenal's priority target for the summer.

That priority appears not to have changed, with the Daily Mirror claiming last month that manager Mikel Arteta was keen to schedule talks with the player as soon as the campaign ended.

However, they may face major competition from other clubs. Chelsea and Manchester United have both been credited with interest, while Sky Germany have claimed that Rice and his representatives have held discussions with Bayern Munich.

Talks over his future could ramp up after the Europa Conference League final on June 7, in which West Ham take on Fiorentina in Prague.

And Ferdinand has advised Rice on why he should join Arsenal.

Ferdinand on Rice transfer

On his YouTube channel, FIVE, Ferdinand explained: "Declan Rice does improve your stating XI, no doubt for me, if you do go and get him.

"If they can close that gap [the price disparity between West Ham and Arsenal], I think Declan Rice, as part of your culture, driving, as having somebody that wants to improve, that can improve others, that gels squads together. He's a real team player.

"That's not even talking about his ability as a footballer. I think he's fantastic. And I think there's levels to jump for him ability-wise.

"He's someone that wants to learn and is always striving to improve. And I think doing that at a club like Arsenal - whose aspirations are different to West Ham, no disrespect, they are - I think he'll have a real opportunity to really improve himself as a player and go to another level."