Tottenham legend Teddy Sheringham fears Declan Rice would make Arsenal an even better team

Former Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham believes Declan Rice would walk into Arsenal's starting XI.

Arsenal are way out in front at the top of the Premier League table, eight points above second place Manchester City.

The midfield combination of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard has been a driving force behind their title charge this season.

However, Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen add to his midfield this summer, with Declan Rice having emerged as Arsenal's priority target.

The West Ham midfielder looks destined to move on for pastures new after turning down several contract extensions at the Hammers.

Whilst former Manchester United forward Sheringham reckons the Emirates could be his next destination, believing he would make the Gunners a better team.

Sheringham: Rice could be a world beater

Speaking to talkSPORT before England's Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy, Sheringham said: "You put him up against other top players and the complete midfield player would be able to defend, tackle, run forward but score goals as well.

"If you add a couple of goals to Declan's game, maybe not a couple, if you add six or seven goals to Declan Rice's game with what he's got at the moment all of a sudden you’re talking about an absolute world beater of a player."

Rice must have been listening as he scored in the 2-1 victory for the Three Lions in Naples.

Sheringham admits he fears Rice would make Arsenal an even stronger side if they signed him this summer.

"Wherever he goes he’s going to make that team a better team. Maybe Casemiro is in that role at Manchester United so perhaps they don’t need him," added Sheringham.

"But he would definitely make Arsenal a better team. I don’t like to say it but they’re already good enough this season and I don’t want to see Declan go there because he will make them a better team.

"He could walk into any team."