Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit is backing their move for West Ham captain Declan Rice.

Petit feels Rice is the right player to maintain Arsenal's progress next season.

Petit said to Legal Sportsbook: “Of course, definitely. Rice would be important to Arsenal.

“If he wants to play at the top level, with all due respect to West Ham, I think it's time for him to leave the club. He has been linked with different clubs in England but if I was Rice I would go and play for Arsenal.

“If Arsenal want to stay at the top next season, Rice would be an important signing. But they need more players as well."