Pain in the Arsenal
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3 reasons why Mikel Arteta was desperate for Declan Rice

By Aasif Rahman

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) congratulates West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice (L) at the end of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium, in London on May 1, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (R) congratulates West Ham United's English midfielder Declan Rice (L) at the end of the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium, in London on May 1, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal clearly made Declan Rice their summer priority, and that’s brought excitement within the fanbase, with good reason. Can his qualities push Arsenal that one step further?

Arsenal have agreed a British transfer record fee for their number one target, Declan Rice. To beat Manchester City to a top signing has made the fans wonder: is this a new era?

It’s a lot of money, but surely there are reasons why Mikel Arteta wants the West Ham United captain to be the new superstar in his team.

3 reasons why Mikel Arteta was desperate for Declan Rice

Rice played a key role in getting West Ham back into the game against Arsenal in April. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Rice played a key role in getting West Ham back into the game against Arsenal in April. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) /

1. He will always get stuck in. Always.

The most interceptions in the Premier League last season? Rice.

His game by numbers is up there with the best defensive midfielders in the league when compared to Rodri or Casemiro. No, he’s not on that level just yet, but there are grounds for optimism for the 24-year-old.

There are strong rumours that Granit Xhaka may leave, and it’s been said that “Arsenal will only sanction a move for Xhaka away from the club once they have a replacement through the door”.

Is he that replacement? Xhaka has had a renaissance at the Arsenal over the last couple of years but especially last season racking up 16 goals and assists in all competitions. Rice had nine in comparison, but there’s a trait which the Englishman possess that Xhaka just hasn’t been able to equip: progressively carrying the ball. Below is a highlight you probably have seen, but it’s Rice’s superb solo goal against KAA Gent, carrying the ball, with all the pressures of a possible semi-final place on the line. Confidence. If he can bring that to Arsenal, I’m sure many more memories will be created.

Statistically, he’s been impressive. An average of 1.73 interceptions per 90 is in the top fifth percentile compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. Arguably, all the best teams have that sort of presence in the middle of the park; a midfielder who personifies the soul of the team. He’s been that for West Ham, but can he be that guy for Arsenal?

Continued on the next slide…

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