Danny Murphy is telling Declan Rice to leave West Ham this summer amid Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea links

Declan Rice has been urged by Danny Murphy to leave West Ham for his career.

Murphy added that the 24-year-old England midfielder would be an “automatic starter” for Premier League leaders Arsenal.

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With just a year left on his contract at East London, Rice will be a sought-after man as the Hammers know they may have to reluctantly part ways with him lest they lose him on a free transfer.

talkSPORT reckons he could cost a whopping £120million and boss David Moyes said last month he would only go for a record British fee.

The England international is believed to be keen on joining Premier League leaders Arsenal in the summer.

Manchester United are also in the running after a £100million bid for his services was rejected last year.

And Chelsea, who fired Rice at 14, are also in the process of finding a long-term successor for N’Golo Kante.

Commenting on the saga in his Daily Mail column, Murphy said: “Declan Rice has to leave West Ham.

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“Ideally he would have left last summer because it was difficult for him to keep his best form in a team that doesn’t stay on the ball as well or play boss games as others.

“He’s 100 per cent ready to get to the next level and at 24 he doesn’t want to wait any longer for Champions League football.

“Arsenal would be a great option and I think he would be an automatic starter.

“Chelsea’s appeal is also strong as they grew up with the club’s support and have played in their academy.”

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Former West Ham, United and Tottenham striker Teddy Sheringham has echoed Murphy’s view, insisting he would improve Arsenal immediately.

He told talkSPORT: “When you talk about top players, you pit them against other top players.

“The full midfielder would be able to defend, attack, run forward but also score goals.

“If you add a couple of goals to Declan’s game, not a couple but six or seven with what he’s got at the moment, you take about an absolute world champion from a player.

“He can go anywhere, wherever he goes, he will make this team a better team.

“Maybe Casemiro is in that role at Manchester United so maybe they don’t need him 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 Declan to go there because he’s going to make them a better team. He could go on any team.”