After finishing runners-up to Manchester City in the English Premier League 2022-23 season, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are willing to show their critics that the same season was no fluke. The Gunners have signed West Ham United's captain Declan Rice for £100m plus £5m (Over Ten Billion Rupees) including add-ons. With Rice in the door at the Emirates, it will make him the most expensive Gunner and becomes the second most expensive Englishman ever, costing £5m more than the £100m Manchester City paid for Jack Grealish in August 2021.
As the signing has been made official by both the clubs, here are five aspects of Declan Rice that should give the fans of Arsenal something to cheer about for the coming season:
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1) Leadership Quality:
Declan Rice led West Ham United to a European title and the club's first trophy in 47 years (UEFA Europa Conference League) when his side beat Fiorentina 2-1 in the final back in June. Rice was influential for his club's run towards the final as fans and critics praised the midfielder's influence on the team. Arsenal has 'lacked' leaders on the field despite Martin Odegaard being the club captain, but Rice's presence on the field could give the Gunners fans a brief rewind back to the Patrick Vieira days.
2) An Upgrade On Granit Xhaka:
With the potential arrival of Rice, it paves the door open for Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka to join German club Bayer Leverkusen. Xhaka's initial days at Arsenal were a 'mixed-bag' with the former even falling out with some of the fans. Manager Mikel Arteta eventually 'built' that bridge and made Granit Xhaka a 'fan's favourite'. With Arsenal now being in the UEFA Champions League, Rice's arrival will give the Gunners a slight upgrade on the Swiss player in regards to discipline on the field and bagful of skills.
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3) Declan Rice's Better Passing Accuracy:
The Englishman might not be a regular amongst the goals but Declan Rice's passing accuracy has seen him pip his potential suitors. Rice had 88 percent passing accuracy as compared to the Arsenal midfielders in the Premier League last season. Furthermore, he made 63 interceptions with Arsenal's Thomas Partey close to 28 in that column.
4) Declan Rice Isn't Injury Prone:
Arsenal's downfall over the years has been injuries to key players at crucial juncture of the season. Last season, Arsenal lost forward Gabriel Jesus (during World Cup 2022) and it did affect them in front of goal. Defender William Saliba too got injured in the closing stages of the season that resulted in Arsenal losing out the EPL title to Manchester City. Rice's arrival gives them an edge as the English midfielder has featured in 93 per cent of West Ham United's Premier League games in the last five seasons whereas Partey featured in only 71 per cent of Arsenal's over the last three.
5) Rice Is Still 24 Years Old:
Mikel Arteta is building a young team at Arsenal with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard amongst others. Rice's arrival sees them add another young talent in his prime who could be nurtured and well-coached by Arteta himself. The Spanish coach was a midfielder himself and his key inputs could also be vital for Rice to develop further and help create Arsenal an 'unbeatable' force in Europe.
