BT Sport pundit Robbie Savage believes West Ham captain Declan Rice should be favouring a move to Liverpool over Arsenal due to the greater likelihood of winning silverware with the Merseyside club.

The Reds finished fifth in the Premier League last campaign, three places below the Gunners in the table, but Savage is adamant that the 2022/23 season was simply a “blip” for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and he feels Rice would be better off at Anfield:

“I would go to Liverpool and Manchester United before Arsenal. Even though Liverpool have got no Champions League football. Liverpool, yes, it was a blip this year. I think they will come back stronger. They have signed Mac Allister. If you add Rice as well, WOW! I think they will be in the top four.”

Rice’s move to Arsenal looks to be pretty nailed on at this point and, while the Reds could certainly do with someone like the 24-year-old in their midfield, there is very little chance that will happen now.

Rice’s price tag makes the transfer a ‘no-go’

West Ham are reportedly holding out for over £100m for Rice and, considering Liverpool withdrew from the race to sign Jude Bellingham, after being quoted a similar price tag, you can’t see them pursuing his England teammate either.

It does appear that the decision has been made to bring in two to three midfielders for lower fees, rather than blowing the whole budget on a marquee signing. Whether that will end up being a wise choice, we shall have to wait and see.

Who are Liverpool’s midfield targets?

Nice’s Khephren Thuram, Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga appear to be the most likely options.

Reports in the German press in recent days have played down the club’s interest in Borussia Monchengladbach’s Manu Kone but it is still not clear who manager Jurgen Klopp will target next after landing Alexis Mac Allister.