^ ^ Ray Parlour suggests Declan Rice won’t get into Arsenal starting XI ahead of Thomas Partey

Rice could be heading to north London in the summer (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour is not convinced Declan Rice starts over current Gunners star Thomas Partey if he makes the move to the Emirates in the summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side have emerged as the front runners to sign the England star this summer, confident they can bring him across the capital ahead of Chelsea.

Arsenal hope this season’s Premier League title charge can provide a huge boost to their summer plans with Partey enjoying a superb campaign in the heart of midfield.

The former Atletico Madrid star has shaken off injury issues that disrupted his first two seasons in England football to play a pivotal role this term.

And while he believes Rice would be a superb addition to the Arsenal squad, Parlour has suggested he would not be an automatic starter with Partey on the scene.

While Arsenal are said be favourites to sign the Hammers star, the former midfielder is also certain Chelsea are still interested in his services.

‘Yeah absolutely he’s [Rice] a top player but [Thomas] Partey has been brilliant in the midfield I mean, look, if you get Declan Rice does he play in front of Partey at the moment?’ Parlour told Net Bet Sports Betting.

Partey has enjoyed a superb campaign in Arsenal’s midfield (Picture: Getty)

‘You know it’s a situation where it’s a big decision the manager has to make, but you need big players in your team throughout the season.

‘If you’re going for the Champions League and you playing in the league, FA Cup, there are so many games, so you need to rotate your squad at times, but Partey has been very important for Arsenal.

‘Over the years, he has been injured on occasions and he’s missed quite big chunks of the season.

‘Look as I said before we need a midfielder and if Declan Rice wants to stay in London look I’m sure Chelsea will be straight in as well.

‘There have been rumours that he was always gonna go to Chelsea, I’m sure every single team in the Premier League and around the world will be looking at Declan Rice, and say “well we wouldn’t mind having him”.

‘But I hope he stays in the Premier League.’

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