Declan Rice settling in quickly at Arsenal after completing club record £105m move

Declan Rice only signed for Arsenal 11 days ago, but he has already taken no time in settling down to life at the club. The England midfielder completed a club record £105m move to the Gunners earlier this month after weeks of lengthy negotiations with West Ham.

Rice is understandably delighted to now be through the door at the Emirates and he’s been getting to meet his new team-mates on the pre-season tour of the United States. The 24-year-old knows plenty of his new team-mates from international duty, with Arsenal boasting a strong English contingent. But Rice says it’s former Brighton ace Leandro Trossard that he’s struck up an understanding with, both on and off the pitch.

Rice and Trossard Forming a Quick Bond

Asked if there’s a team-mate he’s struck up an immediate relationship with on the pitch, Rice told Sky Sports: ‘You know what? I think from the first day when I was there, Leandro Trossard. You wouldn’t put us two together, I would say, but he’s a really, really top guy. I sat next to him on the plane. I’ve been with him here quite a lot. He’s just an all-round top person.

‘I’ve really got on with him and playing against him in the past as well, he was always a pain so it’s nice to have him on my side now. He’s such a top player, but I feel like with everyone here, like all of the Brazilian guys, the Portuguese guys, the French guys, like everyone is so top, and from the outside you see Arsenal was like a big family together. And that’s exactly what it is inside the dressing room, which is really good.’

Rice’s Move Taking its Toll

Rice’s move across London was a relief, and Rice has admitted the saga took its toll on him. The midfielder had been linked with a move away from West Ham for months before finally completing his move to Arsenal. Rice is now looking forward to getting started with his new club and hopes to hit the ground running when the Premier League season gets underway next month.

Arsenal’s Strong English Contingent

The Gunners have an impressive English contingent in their squad, with Rice joining Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock and Ainsley Maitland-Niles in Mikel Arteta’s squad. The English players will be looking to make an impact this season and help Arsenal challenge for a Champions League spot.

Conclusion

Declan Rice has taken no time in settling down to life at Arsenal after completing his club record £105m move earlier this month. The 24-year-old has already struck up an understanding with former Brighton ace Leandro Trossard and is looking forward to getting started with his new club. With an impressive English contingent in their squad, Arsenal will be hoping to challenge for a Champions League spot this season and Rice will be key to their success.