Richard Keys has spoken highly about Mikel Arteta and Arsenal for signing England midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham United.
The TV presenter was a big critic of Arsenal last season and their overreaction to wins as they pushed for the Premier League title.
But Keys has now claimed on Twitter that, with the ‘Rolls-Royce’ Declan RIce being snapped up, he thinks that Arsenal ‘might be celebrating next season’.
The Gunners have paid a club-record transfer for Rice’s signature, as the 24-year-old also becomes the second-most expensive English player of all time following Jude Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid this summer.
The task is simple. Can he help push Arteta and Co. over the Premier League title line? Up until April of last season, they were well in control, before that 2-2 draw at Anfield started the collapse.
Whilst Rice walks straight into the XI, the £250k-a-week star (90 min) will also boost the team’s squad because it probably means a key player will be benched, with Keys sharing his thoughts.
“It’s a lot of money,” said Keys. “But I don’t think any club will make a better signing than Declan Rice this summer.
“He’s a Rolls-Royce. It’s a real statement of intent by Arsenal. I’ve got a feeling they might be celebrating next season.”
Rice in the Champions League
This is the first time many Arsenal players, including Rice, will be playing in Europe’s elite competition.
Whilst Rice has a Europa League Conference medal to his name, that level of football, compared to the Champions League, is a different ball game altogether.
That’s where Rice and Co. will be tested the most because if they can prove their worth against the best players in the world, then their status across the world will only grow.
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