England star Declan Rice advised to join Arsenal instead of Manchester United

Manchester United nemesis and former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has urged Declan Rice to join Arsenal amid heavy-handed interest from across the Premier League.

Before appointing Erik ten Hag as their manager, United wanted England international Rice to address long-standing concerns in their engine room. Ten Hag pushed for Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong before the Old Trafford giants signed Casemiro instead last summer.

His impact on the squad has been massive as Ten Hag eyes up at least two major signings when the market reopens. One of those is thought to be another central midfielder with Rice, De Jong and Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham understood to be right at the top of their list in that regard.

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However, there is simultaneous interest in West Ham captain Rice from table-toppers Arsenal as other clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester City consider a move. However, according to Carroll - whose reckless tackle while playing for Reading injured Christian Eriksen in January - his former teammate should select the Gunners for his next challenge.

Carroll told The Metro: "I can't really see Declan Rice leaving the Premier League. West Ham aren't doing too great at the moment, but Declan loves West Ham.

"I was at the club with him when he was a kid coming through. He's a great guy and a great player. We know he needs to go to a top club. I can't see him going outside of England, but I think he should go to a top-three or top-two club.

"I'd like to see Declan at Arsenal. I'm not an Arsenal fan, but I like the way they're playing.

"The way that Mikel Arteta has them playing and the young lads coming through. You see their team and the average age there is