Declan Rice: What is Arsenal getting in their £105m man?

Arsenal's £105m signing of Declan Rice from West ham: Transformative addition to midfield or overpriced gamble?

Declan Rice will join Arsenal on a permanent basis for a fee in the region of £105m including add-ons after both clubs agreed on fees on Tuesday night. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

In what can be deemed one of the most significant transfer moves of the season, Arsenal Football Club has secured the services of talented English midfielder Declan Rice.

The highly sought-after 23-year-old's arrival at the Emirates Stadium has sent ripples of excitement through the footballing world and has the potential to transform Arsenal's fortunes for good after the heartbreak of last season.

Rice's signing is a statement of intent from the Gunners, showcasing their ambition to return to the pinnacle of English football.

Let's delve into the reasons why Rice's arrival at Arsenal is a game-changer for the team that missed out on the league title by just a tiny margin last season.

With Rice's arrival, Arsenal have addressed a long-standing issue in their midfield.

Known for his exceptional defensive abilities, Rice possesses the qualities of a true anchor in the centre of the park.

He has honed his skills at West Ham United, establishing himself as one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

Rice's tactical awareness, positioning, and ability to read the game make him an exceptional shield for the backline.

Furthermore, Rice's passing range and composure on the ball make him an ideal fit for Arsenal's style of play.

His ability to initiate attacks from deep positions and provide accurate long-range passes will significantly enhance the Gunners' midfield creativity.

With Rice in their ranks, Arsenal can benefit from improved ball retention, better defensive stability, and an increased tempo in their build-up play.

Another crucial aspect that Rice brings to Arsenal is his leadership qualities. 

Despite his young age, Rice has demonstrated exceptional maturity and character on and off the pitch.

As the vice captain of West Ham, he has shown his ability to lead by example, organise the team, and drive his teammates forward.

Arsenal has lacked a commanding presence in its squad for several seasons, and Rice's arrival fills that void.

His leadership qualities will inspire and motivate his teammates, creating a positive impact both on and off the pitch.

Rice's mentality and work ethic will be contagious within the Arsenal squad, pushing everyone to raise their game and strive for success.

Declan Rice's arrival at Arsenal also adds to the club's English core, which has become increasingly important in the Premier League era.

With the likes of Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe already making waves at the Emirates, Rice's presence further solidifies Arsenal's commitment to nurturing and promoting young English talent.

Moreover, Rice's move to Arsenal could be pivotal for his international career.

As an established member of the England national team, Rice's exposure to the high-pressure environments and intense competition in the Premier League will aid his development as an international player.

Arsenal, with Thomas Partey, Rice, and Kai Havertz, can challenge any midfield at any point, and it can even get better should the Gunners decide to go for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, but that could depend on Partey’s situation.