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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Rice led West Ham to Conference League glory. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Rice led West Ham to Conference League glory. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images) /

3. Future captain in the making?

It takes real courage, drive and tenacity to be released from Chelsea’s academy and still make it to the big leagues. He was released from the club he supported, made it to the West Ham academy and made his professional debut at 18 and captained West Ham’s U23s to Premier League 2.

Everyone knows of Declan Rice, and it’s no surprise German powerhouse Bayern Munich had set their sights on him, while Manchester City were willing to spend up to £90m to bring the midfielder to the Etihad. Rice’s preference, however, always seemed to be Arsenal.

It shows something is brewing in north London, and people are noticing. Kai Havertz decided it was worth switching blue for red, and Jurrien Timber has also made it clear to Ajax that he wants Arsenal. It’s been a long time since top players have wanted to wear the Arsenal shirt with pride and are willing to turn down other top clubs in favour of them.

Exciting times lie ahead, and Arsenal fans will hope there’ll be something exciting to lift this time next year.

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