Emile Smith Rowe has heaped praise on Declan Rice ahead of Arsenal’s potential signing of the West Ham United midfielder.

Declan Rice is closing in on a move to Arsenal this summer, but Emile Smith Rowe has already played alongside the West Ham United midfielder on international duty.

Smith Rowe was called up for England’s first-team camps in November 2021 and March 2022, and he and Rice both featured in a friendly against the Ivory Coast during that period.

The pair also had plenty of time together in training, and Smith Rowe was clearly impressed.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him,” Smith Rowe said (via The S*n). “I remember my first camp and I was surprised with how good he actually was.

“He was the best in training. Just his level, intensity, technically, everything he was doing. A real leader and still so young. He was really, really good.”

Smith Rowe and Rice have also played against each other a few times for Arsenal and West Ham, but it looks like they’re set to join forces for the 2023/24 campaign.

There was some speculation around a possible departure for Smith Rowe at the start of the summer, but various sources have since reported that Arsenal have him in their plans for the coming season.

Smith Rowe himself said: “Arsenal are my club and I’m not going to give up until [Arteta] says he doesn’t want me.”

The midfielder still has a contract until 2026, and reports suggest he remains an important part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, despite his minimal role for the club this season.

For the time being, Smith Rowe is away with the England u21s at the u21 European Championship, and they’ll play their quarter-final against Portugal on Sunday at 17:00 BST.

As for Rice, Arsenal and West Ham are hoping to finalise a deal for the midfielder’s transfer by Monday.

The two clubs have already agreed a £105m fee, and all that remains is the agreement on the payment structure.

Arteta is reportedly keen to get Rice fully integrated at Arsenal before the pre-season tour of the United States, with the Gunners playing their first game in the U.S. on July 20th.