Arsenal hero Paul Merson is urging his old club to move for West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

The England midfielder is a summer target for Chelsea, who are keen to bring their former academy prospect back to Stamford Bridge.

But Merson told Sky Sports: "Chelsea have been linked with him, but I don't know why Arsenal aren't looking at Declan Rice.

"Arsenal are crying out for a holding midfield player.

"They don't need a midfielder who's 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 organise the side; one who, when he gets the ball, gives it simple with 10-yard passes.

"It's such a hard job and that's why I can't believe Arsenal aren't going in for a player like Rice.

"A player like Rice can allow the attacking players to flourish and it gives the central defenders the chance to be better than what they are."