Transfer: Why I signed Declan Rice for Arsenal – Arteta

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has explained why he made the club break their transfer record to sign Declan Rice from West Ham.

Arteta hailed the 24-year-old as a “tremendous” player as the Gunners finally sealed his £105 million transfer.

Rice signed a long-term deal at the Emirates, having been earmarked as the club’s No.1 summer target in January by Arteta.

Arteta, speaking after Rice’s arrival, said:

“Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy. The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”