Arsenal completed a club-record transfer of English international midfielder Declan Rice during the summer transfer window.
Declan Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United in the summer transfer window. And the English international has now revealed that Mikel Arteta played a key role in his decision to join the north London club.
In an interview with Channel 4, Rice has heaped praise on Arteta and explained how the Spanish manager influenced his decision. Arteta’s tactical acumen, vision and plans for the future impressed the former West Ham captain, and he decided to move to Arsenal.
Asked why he chose to move to the Emirates, he replied. “I have to say the manager, Mikel. From the moment that I met him I knew he was the one that I wanted to take care of the next part of my career and I just had that gut feeling that Arsenal would bet he club even though there was other interest.”
“No (there has not been a big jump up in quality at Arsenal), towards the end of my time at West Ham the players we had were unbelievable. But I would say the difference is the way now I’m having to play is much more advanced (up the pitch).”
He was linked with clubs like Chelsea as well. Rice has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the country. And his signing should prove to be a coup for Arsenal in the coming season. The 24-year-old scored against Manchester United recently, and he will look to establish himself as an indispensable asset for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal.
The reason Declan Rice knew Arsenal was the right club for him ✅#C4Football | #ThreeLions
— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) September 11, 2023
The Gunners needed to bring in a quality midfielder this past summer, and the arrival of Declan Rice will certainly improve them. It remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old can help Arsenal compete for the league title this season.
The Gunners have made a reasonably good start to the new season, and they will be hoping to push Manchester City for the title once again. They narrowly missed out on the league title last season. So, Arteta will hope that his players can go all the way this time around.
Also Read: Arsenal Summer Transfer Window Verdict 2023
Someone like Rice will certainly help Arsenal improve defensively, and he will also allow the creative players to operate with more freedom. The England international is still only 24 and is likely to improve with coaching experience. The Arsenal fans will hope that Mikel Arteta can play a key role in his development and help him develop into a world-class player in the near future.
