Declan Rice hints at new position as he reveals how Mikel Arteta convinced him to complete £105m Arsenal transfer
DECLAN RICE has hinted that he could be given a new position under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
The England international made a name for himself as a defensive midfielder while at West Ham.
Rice, 24, excelled in the position for the Hammers and went on to lead the club to European glory as they won the Conference League last season.
His form in the role saw Arsenal fork out a club record £105million in order to bring him to the Emirates Stadium a move he was keen to do after seeing Arteta’s ability to improve players.
However, Rice has now revealed that he could have a new position after talks with his new manager.
Speaking to Sky Sports: “I think just the way Arsenal have played over the last two, three years, I think there’s always a narrative around Arsenal that they’re not going to win the Premier League or they haven’t been good enough.
“But I didn’t see it that way at all.
“I see it in a way that he’s improved the squad every year.
“The players have improved individually, everyone’s gone up another level and when I spoke to him, just the way he said about how he wanted me to play, where he sees me playing, and the vision he has for Arsenal.
“It’s really exciting now to be a part of this project that Arsenal can get back to the big time and win some trophies.”
Rice had started at the West Ham academy as a centre-back and was initially played in that position when he broke through to the first team.
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But David Moyes moved Rice into the midfield during his first stint in charge of the club, leading to many to predict that he would eventually return to the defensive line.
The former Hammer then became a solidified first team member under Manuel Pellegrini before developing further after Moyes’ return in 2019.
But Rice has left his previous bosses, including Slaven Bilic, in the dark as he opened up on his first encounter with Arteta.
He added: ” I’m already seeing football in a completely different way.
“You think you know football growing up and when you play, but when you meet managers like Mikel, you realise you don’t really know anything.”
Now officially a Gunner, the hard work started straight away – travelling to the USA and training for Arsenal’s pre-season tour.
Rice featured in the games against the MLS All-stars and the defeat to Manchester United.
Against the Red Devils, Rice was heavily criticised as being “anonymous” in the midfield and that he was “cooked” by Kobbie Mainoo.
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