- Arteta said he was ‘mad’ on signing £105million-man Declan Rice in the summer
- Rice joined the Gunners for a record fee and has continued to impress at Arsenal
- How do Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho look so good given the pressure they are under? It’s All Kicking Off
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he was right to ‘go mad’ for the signing of Declan Rice in the summer transfer window.
The former West Ham captain joined London rivals Arsenal for a record fee of £105million during the summer, and has helped propel the Gunners’ title charge after falling short in the 2022-23 campaign.
Arteta expressed his admiration for Rice, acknowledging that he was ‘mad’ on signing him from the Hammers due to his ‘presence’ on the pitch.
The Gunners’ boss described Rice’s ‘presence’ as ‘something special on the pitch’.
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham for a club-record fee of £105 million and has made a significant impact, contributing to Arsenal’s title contention.
Rice has made a significant impact in contributing to Arsenal’s title contention this season
Rice believes Arsenal’s ‘never-say-die’ attitude can lead them to Premier League glory
Arsenal unveiled new signing Declan Rice at the Emirates in July from London rivals West Ham
Declan Rice was Arsenal’s top target during the 2023 summer transfer window
The Arsenal boss said: ‘There were a lot of question marks and that’s something you have to overcome because they’re going to be looking at every stat and every movement that you make.
‘He’s very intelligent to manage that.’ The Arsenal boss said.
‘I love his presence on the pitch. He’s there and he’s got something special. I felt it when I played against him, that’s why I was mad to sign him.
‘You get a feeling about players and I wanted him to be part of our team.
‘When they put the price tag you have to carry that and it is not easy. He has done it in a brilliant way.’ Arteta added.