Manchester City had interest in signing Declan Rice while he was still at West Ham, but it was Arsenal and Mikel Arteta that ultimately won over the midfielder with their project. Rice revealed that he chose Arsenal over Manchester City because he believes the Gunners are on to big things and their project seemed more exciting. Arsenal, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, hope to go one step further than their second-place finish last season, and signing Rice for £105 million was a significant step in Mikel Arteta’s efforts to improve the team.
Despite the possibility of playing alongside Rodri at Manchester City, Rice explained that he sees Arsenal as achieving big things. He admires Rodri as ‘the best in the world’ but believes he is afforded more freedom at Arsenal compared to Rodri’s structured style. While Rodri was born in Spain and has always been a natural No. 6 player, Rice describes himself as more off-the-cuff and free in his playing style. Arteta noted ahead of Rice’s move to Arsenal that the midfielder could also play as a No. 8, but Rice considers his biggest strength to be as a No. 6 player.
The interest from Manchester City in signing Rice was evident, as they made a £90 million bid for the England international, which was rejected by West Ham. However, Rice chose Arsenal over Manchester City due to the appeal of their exciting project and the opportunity to be a part of something big at the north London side. Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League standings this season has bolstered their appeal to top players like Rice, who see potential in the club’s future success and growth under Mikel Arteta’s leadership.
Arsenal hope that the signing of Declan Rice will bolster their squad and help them compete for major honors, including the Premier League title. The Gunners have been building a strong team under Arteta’s guidance and have shown significant progress in recent seasons. Rice’s arrival adds quality and depth to their midfield, providing Arteta with more options and flexibility in his tactical approach. The midfielder’s decision to join Arsenal over Manchester City reflects his belief in the Gunners’ project and their potential for future success.
Rice’s admiration for Rodri and the recognition of his qualities as a player do not diminish his own confidence in his abilities and what he can offer to Arsenal. The midfielder’s playing style, characterized by his off-the-cuff nature and freedom on the pitch, complements the more structured approach of players like Rodri. Rice’s versatility as a No. 6 or No. 8 player adds value to Arsenal’s midfield options and enhances their ability to adapt to different game situations. His decision to join Arsenal highlights the club’s growing reputation and appeal as a competitive force in English football.
Overall, Declan Rice’s choice to join Arsenal over Manchester City signifies his belief in the Gunners’ project and the opportunity to be a part of a team with big ambitions. Arsenal’s progress in the Premier League and their title aspirations have attracted top talents like Rice, who see the club as a platform for personal growth and collective success. With his signing, Arsenal have strengthened their squad and midfield options, enhancing their competitiveness and ability to challenge for major honors under Mikel Arteta’s leadership. Rice’s decision reflects the changing dynamics in English football and the rise of Arsenal as a formidable force in the Premier League.
