Declan Rice is sure to play a key role in Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League title next season (Picture: Getty)
Declan Rice has revealed that Mikel Arteta proved a ‘massive factor’ in his decision to join Arsenal from West Ham.
The Gunners confirmed the British record signing of the England international on Saturday, just hours after the Irons had announced their long-serving skipper’s departure in a £015million deal.
Rice’s signing represents a landmark moment for Arsenal and Arteta, who were able to convince the all-action midfielder to commit the peak years of his career to the north London club, despite interest from treble winners Manchester City.
The 24-year-old has observed at close hand the rapid development Arsenal have made under their young manager who identified Rice as his No.1 summer target at the turn of the year.
Rice is understood to have been won over by his new manager’s vision for him in the engine room of a side who ran out of steam during last season’s title run in.
‘I’ve been looking at Arsenal over the last couple of seasons and the trajectory they’ve been going on,’ said Rice.
‘Not last season but the season before, they finished fifth but you could see the style of play Mikel was implementing. Last season was an outstanding season, blowing pretty much every team out of the water with the exception of Man City.
‘With Mikel and how he works, the squad, how young everyone is, the energy around the club and also the challenge of getting Arsenal back to where they belong, that means a lot to me.
‘I know the fans really want that. For me as a player, I’ve come here really hungry to have more success and to spend my best years at this great club.’
On being able to work at such close quarters with Arteta, he added: ‘I’m so excited – he speaks for himself.
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‘You see how he works – you got a real insight into how he works on the Amazon documentary, how he works with his players and not only as a coach, but psychologically how good he is with players, how he improves players.
‘He’s a massive factor in the reason why I’ve come here.
‘I know he’s going to get the best out of me. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels. I’m really excited to be working with him.’
MORE : Mikel Arteta and Edu break silence on Arsenal smashing transfer record to sign Declan Rice
MORE : Arsenal confirm club-record signing of Declan Rice in £105million deal from West Ham
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What a signing!
