Arsenal legend David Seaman says Granit Xhaka’s future likely depends on whether the Gunners secure the signature of West Ham captain Declan Rice this summer.

Xhaka has been linked with a return to Germany, with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly interested in the Swiss international, but Seaman believes that the only way that Arsenal will allow him to leave is if a deal for Rice has been agreed:

“The only way that that happens is if they have someone like Rice already lined up. I don’t want us to be letting players who have played most games this season go. Even Xhaka, he’s had a great season. I don’t want to see experienced players like that leaving the club, we still need him for a few more seasons, because not only if he doesn’t start he can be strength in depth.”

The Gunners are the favourites to snap up Rice, with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United also in the hunt for the England international.

At the moment, the big stumbling block is the midfielder’s asking price. West Ham are said to be telling clubs that they want between £100m and £120m, and that means Arsenal would have to smash their transfer record to get him.

Martin Keown has already questioned whether the club can afford Rice, and we shall see if the Hammers soften their stance on the valuation as the summer goes on.