Declan Rice signing excites Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is happy to have secured the services of England international Declan Rice ahead of the 2023/24 season.

The Gunners announced the signing of the 24-year-old on Saturday after months of speculations, with the midfielder signing a long-term deal.

The player has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal in a deal which has the option of a further year after his departure from West Ham United.

Speaking after the transfer was announced, Arteta said: “He is a player with tremendous ability, who has been performing at a high level in the Premier League and for England for a number of seasons now.”

“Declan is bringing undoubted quality to the club and he is an exceptional talent who has the potential to be very successful here.

“Declan has great experience in the Premier League at only 24 years old. He has captained a very good West Ham team and as we all saw, he recently lifted a European trophy.

“The responsibility and role he has taken on has been very impressive and we are really excited that he is joining us.”

The total deal is said to be worth £105 million with Arsenal paying an initial £100m.