Declan Rice reveals Arsenal’s 2023-24 dream but begs fans to be patient with him after British record £105m transfer

9 months ago 72

DECLAN RICE shrugged off his £105million price tag and said: Judge me on my fee in six years.

The England midfielder, 24, has become Arsenal’s record buy after joining from West Ham.

And Rice told excited Gunners fans he aims to turn their club into European champions — as well as win a lorry-load of domestic trophies.

He said: “You only get one chance to join great clubs in football and I came to Arsenal to win trophies.

“They deserve to be in the Champions League again and we’ll be in it to win it — not just to take part.

“They were so close to winning the title last season and that was no fluke.

“That was down to genuine hard work, dedication and togetherness.

“So I feel that we can go one better and it’s definitely a target this time. Arsenal have won the FA Cup and the Community Shield under Mikel.

“Now it’s time to deliver the Premier League title.

“I know I have been bought for £105m and, obviously, that is going to raise expectations and scrutiny on me.

“Everyone has their opinion and I can’t control what people will say.

“But if you’re going to judge me, don’t do it over one year, do it over the course of my six-year contract.”

Arsenal have shown their ambition by splashing out £200m on summer recruits.

As well as Rice, Kai Havertz has arrived from Chelsea for £65m alongside defender Jurrien Timber — a £34.5m buy from Ajax.

Now Rice is on a mission to take his game to the next level under new boss Arteta.

The midfielder said: “I’ve so many more levels to get to and Mikel’s improved all the players he’s worked with.

“The other day he said he sees me like a lighthouse — and that was a really special thing for me to hear.

“He’s a good psychological coach who makes you want to do everything for him.

“And if everyone pulls in the right direction with Mikel, I really feel we can achieve special things.”