Mikel Arteta has hailed Declan Rice for how quickly he bought into Arsenal’s project during initial talks with the midfielder this summer.
As Rice prepared to leave West Ham United, there was interest from across the Premier League. However, it was Arsenal who were able to persuade the England international to sign, even though they had to outbid Manchester City with a £105 million offer, making Rice the most expensive British player in history.
Before their anticipated meeting in Sunday’s Community Shield, Arteta reflected on his initial conversations with Rice.
“We just explained our thoughts on him, the place we are building and what his role is going to be in the club,” Arteta recalled. “He and his family bought into that from day one and we’re delighted to have him.
“The important thing now is that when we have a target we have the resources that we need to bring that player in but as well that we can convince him and what we tell him excites him, that he feels inspired and he wants to be part of it.
“That is the feeling we are getting with every player I want to sign but as well with the players we already have here are the ones that we really have to look after that they maintain that feeling and willingness to be here and drive the club to better every day and for them as players, improve every day as well.”
Although Rice has played a number of roles throughout the preseason, including at both the top and base of Arsenal’s midfield, Arteta wants to see him develop into a leader, so he also expects Rice to play a significant role off the field.
“His leadership skills are unquestionable,” Arteta continued. “When you meet him and spend five minutes with him, you already get the feeling and impression that he will help so much.
“The dressing room and approach that we want to take in games and have the initiative in our way of living. Things take time and they have to be natural and if [Rice joining the leadership group] has to happen, it will happen.”