Declan Rice has revealed the crucial role Mikel Arteta played in convincing him to join Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was the driving force behind the move to bring Declan Rice to Arsenal this summer.

Were it not for the Spanish coach’s influence and powers of persuasion, the Gunners may not have been able to secure their club-record £105 million deal for the former West Ham United midfielder. 

Rice has certainly been able to hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium. The 24-year-old was named the club’s official player of the month for August, and has produced outstanding Premier League performances against Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Against the latter, he opened his account for the north London club by netting a late winner at the Emirates Stadium.

Although he is already an elite player, with 44 England caps under his belt, Rice remains determined to keep improving as a player. He believes that Arteta is the perfect coach to take his game to another level.

Rice seeking to take next step with Arsenal

Speaking to Channel 4, Rice was asked what convinced him to join the Gunners, and said, “Arteta was key for me to choose Arsenal.”

“The moment I met him I knew he was the one I wanted to take care of the next part of my career. The way he spoke, his aura, the way he sees the game.”

“I’m so happy with my decision. I feel at home.”

Arteta has already demonstrated his talent for improving players during his time in the Arsenal dugout. The likes of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Ben White, and Eddie Nketiah, amongst others, have all developed and progressed significantly under his guidance.

Rice will be desperate to improve certain elements of his game. His forward passing could become more incisive, and he has the capacity to provide a more regular goal threat. The £240,000-a-week ace has the potential to be a complete midfielder, capable of being devastatingly effective at both ends of the pitch.

It also bodes well from an Arsenal perspective that in Arteta they have a manager able to convince highly-rated players to come to the Emirates Stadium for the prime years of their career.

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