Declan Rice’s big move to Arsenal

The Significance of a £105m Transfer Fee

Some would argue that Declan Rice was the only missing piece of the puzzle in Arsenal’s title fight last season. The former West Ham captain is considered one of the best, if not the best English central midfielder at the moment, but does that still justify the club record transfer fee of £105m?

One of the most talked-about aspects of Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal is the transfer fee, making him one of the most expensive English players in history. While this has generated excitement among fans, it has also led to discussions about the financial sustainability of such transactions in football today. Arsenal has been a team cautious about overspending in the past; this move signals a shift in their strategy, as well as a serious statement of intent.

Arsenal’s previous club-record transfer fee was £72m back in 2019 when Nicolas Pépé moved to the Emirates Stadium from Lille. Unfortunately for Arsenal, the Frenchman didn’t manage to impress during his time at the club. While still at Arsenal, the investment didn’t pay off and that leaves us with the question of – will it be the same with the latest club-record fee transfer?

Arteta’s Tactical Masterstroke: Why Rice Fits the Arsenal Game Plan

Mikel Arteta has been known as a manager who likes technical players. Similarly to his mentor, Pep Guardiola, Arteta prefers central midfielders that can deal with both the attacking and defensive tasks the same way. Declan Rice has proven himself in both Premier League and the national team. He is good with his feet and he can easily find his teammates almost anywhere on the pitch. His passing game is probably the strongest, but it’s his defensive awareness, tenacity, and technical ability that he also excels at.

Mikel Arteta’s coaching style and tactical outlook could be a perfect fit for a player like Rice. Arteta’s focus on controlling the midfield could allow Rice to flourish. His technical abilities coupled with his defensive skills could make him the lynchpin in Arteta’s team.

Declan Rice: The Captain, The Leader, The Legend for West Ham

The idea was to bring Rice to Arsenal even before the summer of 2023. Arteta tried to make a move for him back in January of 2023, but since West Ham was fighting relegation at the time, it was almost impossible to agree on a price. Imagine trying to avoid getting relegated to a lower tier without your arguably best player. Declan Rice was priceless for the Hammers at the time, and it’s completely understandable why the transfer was finalized after the season concluded.

An important thing to note here is that even though Rice was aware of being a top target for several top-tier clubs in England, he still performed at the highest level. There was never a point at which he decided to just give up and wait for the summer to come. On the contrary, the England international had a point to prove. He was one of the reasons, why West Ham managed to avoid relegation, finish 14th and win the UEFA Conference League. It was he who kept motivating his teammates and who gave his 100% every game – a proper captain.

Given the hefty price tag, fans will have sky-high expectations for Rice. Supporters will be looking to see immediate impact on the pitch, akin to what he demonstrated at West Ham. With the upcoming season, Arsenal fans are hopeful that this could be their year to regain prominence both in England and Europe. Declan Rice doesn’t just bring quality; he brings leadership, experience, and a fighting spirit that could be the missing elements in Arsenal’s quest for silverware.

The Broader Impact: Arsenal’s Ambitions in the 2023/24 Season

What makes this transfer even more intriguing is its long-term implications. At 24 years old, Declan Rice is likely to be a central figure at Arsenal for many years to come. His leadership qualities and technical skills could be the cornerstone around which Arsenal builds a new generation of stars, aiming for sustainable success rather than short-lived glory.

Arsenal’s existing squad stands to gain significantly from Rice’s addition. His presence in the middle of the park allows other creative players like Kai Havertz more freedom to venture forward. Moreover, he provides a solid defensive option that can contribute to both defensive and attacking plays. Rice’s adaptability could prove invaluable in a long season riddled with injuries and fixture congestions.

Now, stepping into a bigger scene, Declan Rice has a point to prove – is he a flop or a future England legend? Looking at some other transfers that Arsenal made this summer, it’s safe to say that they will be a much better team next season. Will that be enough to stop Manchester City and their dominance, time will tell. Odds are still somewhat low, but higher compared to 2022/23. With the addition of Kai Haverz and Jurriën Timber to a squad with already good chemistry, it wouldn’t be surprising if Arsenal decided to fight on all fronts – the Champions League being one of them.