Finally, after weeks and weeks of waiting, Arsenal have confirmed their big-money summer capture of Declan Rice.
But the England star wasn’t the only one who was announced by Arsenal this past week because Dutch star, Jurrien Timber, also entered the club’s doors.
The 22-year-old posted via his Instagram on Saturday ‘You can call me a Gunner from now on’ and it got a response from Declan Rice.
The now-former West Ham United captain simply posted in the comments section ‘let’s go’ as the duo are now tasked with trying to guide Mikel Arteta’s side to the Premier League title next season.
Arsenal fans know a lot more about Rice given that he has spent the entirety of his career in the Premier League.
But there is also more pressure on the Englishman because he is now Arsenal’s club-record signing. Nicolas Pepe might be the only one who is delighted that tag is now longer hovering above his head.
Rice is a starter but what about Timber?
With Granit Xhaka out of the door and talk that Thomas Partey could also leave, there is no doubt that Rice will be starting Arsenal’s opening Premier League game against Nottingham Forest ahead of the 23/24 campaign.
It’s just a case of whether Timber is thrown straight into the deep water.
Given the versatile nature of his game, he can operate at the heart of the defence, like he did for Ajax last season, or at right-back.
Well, one thing is for sure, he isn’t starting ahead of William Saliba, so that then leaves Gabriel’s place up for debate, but Ben White out at fullback also has to be wary because he might just be starting ahead of him instead.
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