‘A good sign’…Mikel Arteta shares what Declan Rice did in pre-season that convinced him about Arsenal move

The England midfielder has proven any doubters wrong by consistently delivering for the Gunners and being one of the standout players of the season.

Indeed, Rice came in at second in the Football Writers player of the year awards last night, behind England teammate, Phil Foden.

And speaking about Rice in his presser today, Mikel Arteta has shared what the midfielder told him very early on in pre-season that left the Gunners boss in no doubt.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of facing Bournemouth this weekend, Arteta admitted Rice had told him something in pre-season that set the tone.

“He’s been great. He’s had such an impact from day one. It’s not easy when you come from a club that you’ve been at for a long time, but he settled really good. It’s a great group and I think they’ve been really supportive with him as well,” Arteta said.

“There are players that just come in and glide and become part of it straight away. I remember a conversation I had with him when we were still in the US in pre-season and he was [with us for] eight, nine days, and he said ‘it feels like I’ve been here for two years.’ That’s a good sign.”

Rice has been outstanding

When you spend £100m+ on a player, the pressure is instantly on both club and player for it to be a success.

And on this occasion, it’s gone as well as it could possibly have gone.

Rice has been nothing short of outstanding for Arsenal all season and if they do win the title, they can point to his signing as being the most pivotal piece of business they did.

A lot is spoken about when it comes to mentality of players and clearly, Rice has that about him and has done from the get-go.

After winning in Europe with West Ham last year, Rice could well top that moment in his first season as a Gooner.