Arsene Wenger has described Declan Rice as a ‘good investment’ for Arsenal (Picture: Eurosport)

Arsene Wenger has endorsed Arsenal’s £105m deal for Declan Rice and backed his former club to win the Premier League next season.

Arsenal spent more than £100m to sign Rice from West Ham, making the England midfielder the second-most expensive signing in Premier League history.

Rice, who made 245 appearances for the Hammers and has 43 caps for England, has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal and becomes the Gunners’ record signing by more than £30m.

Arsenal failed with two offers for Rice before meeting West Ham’s £100m asking price and legendary manager Wenger has backed the deal.

‘I think it is a good investment,’ Wenger, who spent 22 years in charge of Arsenal, told Eurosport.

‘Overall, personally I think they have made good buys as they are players who are now mature, 23, 24, but still young so can stay together for a few years.

‘They will be under more pressure after last year, but they have learned a lot and they can show they can deal with that pressure now.’

Asked for his thoughts on next season’s Premier League title race, Wenger added: ‘I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that. I have less doubts for Arsenal than the cycling today.’

Wenger was speaking at the start of Stage 15 of the Tour de France, where Jonas Vingegaard and Tadej Pogacar are set to go head-to-head in the Alps.

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‘Overall, I think they have made good signings.’