Mikel Arteta reveals how Arsenal convinced Declan Rice to sign
- Arsenal signed Rice for a British-record £105m fee this summer
- Gunners had to outbid Manchester City to get a deal done
- Rice has played in a handful of different positions during pre-season
By Tom Gott
Mikel Arteta has praised Declan Rice for how quickly he bought into Arsenal's project during initial talks with the midfielder this summer.
Rice had interest from across the Premier League as he prepared to leave West Ham United and it was Arsenal who ultimately managed to convince the England international to join, although they had to outbid Manchester City with a £105m offer that made Rice the most expensive British player in history.
The two sides are due to meet in Sunday's Community Shield, before which Arteta looked back on his first discussions with Rice.
"We just explained our thoughts on him, the place we are building and what his role is going to be in the club," Arteta recalled. "He and his family bought into that from day one and we’re delighted to have him.
"The important thing now is that when we have a target we have the resources that we need to bring that player in but as well that we can convince him and what we tell him excites him, that he feels inspired and he wants to be part of it.
"That is the feeling we are getting with every player I want to sign but as well with the players we already have here are the ones that we really have to look after that they maintain that feeling and willingness to be here and drive the club to better every day and for them as players, improve every day as well."
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Rice has played in a handful of positions during pre-season, including operating at both the top and base of Arsenal's midfield, but is also set to play a key role off the pitch as Arteta wants to see him blossom into a leader.
"His leadership skills are unquestionable," Arteta continued. "When you meet him and spend five minutes with him, you already get the feeling and impression that he will help so much.
"The dressing room and approach that we want to take in games and have the initiative in our way of living. Things take time and they have to be natural and if [Rice joining the leadership group] has to happen, it will happen."
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