15 July 2023 , 20:52
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has joked he played a key role in convincing Declan Rice to join the Gunners.
Rice completed a £105million transfer to the Gunners on Saturday, bringing an end to a long-running saga. At one point in the summer, it looked as if Manchester City had pulled into pole position in the race to sign the England international.
But Arsenal were able to fight off that interest from their Premier League title rivals and secure Mikel Arteta's top target. And it turns out that Wright, who won the top-flight with the Gunners, played an important role in turning Rice's head towards Arteta's side.
Wright visited England's training base during the March internationals, with Rice having been included in Gareth Southgate's squad. And the former striker took the opportunity to push Arsenal's case for his next destination.
"I said do not worry, I've got faith in Declan. Everybody's saying when I went to see the England squad I was tapping him up - yes I f****** was! Yes I was! I was literally begging him," he told the Wrighty's House podcast.
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"Some were saying 'listen Wrighty it's out of order tapping him up'. I don't work for the club, I'm an Arsenal fan. I said 'look at you at you and Saka, how cool you would look together man'. It's just exciting guys, I'm excited."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Declan Rice be a success at Arsenal? Comment below.
Declan Rice was unveiled as Arsenal's record signing on Saturday (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)It appears the chance to link up with some of his team-mates from the Three Lions was a factor in Rice's decision. After completing his move to the Emirates Stadium, Rice highlighted the Gunners' England contingent as a key draw to joining Arteta's men.
"It’s going to be an honour. There are some unbelievable players I’ve played with at international level and now I get to share those same duties at club level," he said of playing alongside Arsenal's group of England stars.
"All of them have spoken so highly about the club - how each and every one of them have improved under the manager. When you hear things like that, you really take it in your stride and listen.
"You’ve got players like Saks, who’s now one of the best wingers in the world. There’s Rammers, who is one of the best keepers. You’ve got Whitey at right-back, who was unreal last year.
"There’s Smith Rowe and so many in the squad. They all speak so glowingly of the club and the direction it’s been going in the last few years, so it’s really exciting. Today I’ve had my first day and I’m feeling really at home.
"It’s been a bit overwhelming because of my relationship with West Ham. [With] the love and support I have for them, it’s been really hard to walk away. In football, amazing opportunities arise. Big clubs, like Arsenal, have come for me and it’s really hard to turn down."