Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes £100 million signing Declan Rice can be a “lighthouse” for the club, and that the midfielder is “exactly what we needed.”
Rice, 24, has signed from West Ham in a deal for up to £105 million.
He is their third acquisition, following striker Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million and defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £34 million.
Despite leading for the most of the Premier League season, Arsenal finished second to Manchester City last season.
“I see him like a lighthouse,” Arteta remarked of England’s Rice. “He is willing to shine a light on others, improve others, and improve the team.”
“We talked about how he could evolve the team, complement the players, and bring that winning hunger into a team with players who really want to push themselves to the next level a while ago.”
“He exudes an aura.” His experience in this competition will take the team to a new level. He possesses the physical characteristics that we were missing for a time.
“The manner in which he speaks and portrays himself. “His ambition and passion for the game are exactly what we needed.”
Rice was limited to bike work during the initial portion of Arsenal’s preseason training in Washington before their first preseason game against Wayne Rooney’s MLS All-Stars on Wednesday.
It meant he got a first-hand look at a team that, despite exceeding all expectations to compete for the Premier League for three-quarters of the season, had to settle for second place.
They’ve certainly accelerated since then. Their summer transfer spending of more over £200 million is the largest in the Premier League.
Not only have Arsenal’s signings impressed, but so has the pace with which they have done so.
Arteta now has a full month to prepare for their first Premier League match against Nottingham Forest on August 12.
The pressure is now on. Even renowned former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recognizes it, picking the Gunners to win the league, and Arteta feels it as well.
“Certainly,” he replied. “After what we did last year, a lot of people will be talking about what comes next.”
“Ultimately, it will come down to playing better and earning the right to win every match.”
“We made some important signings, just like other teams, but when you’re Arsenal, you have to deal with that.”
