Declan Rice is a ‘top player’ who will give Arsenal a crucial extra dimension this season, according to former Gunners star Lauren.
The 2004 Arsenal Invincible, who won two titles and three FA Cups at the club under , believes the signing of Rice could inspire the Gunners to go one better next season as they bid to win the Premier League.
However, he feels Arsenal need to make one or two signings in the transfer window to ensure Mikel Arteta’s side are ready to turn their runners-up spot to last season into title glory.
What do you make of ’s £105million move from ?
Like all top players, he has talent and . He will be welcome at Arsenal, we just want the best players in our squad in all positions so we can compete in all competitions.
It’s quite a lot of money but (sporting director) Edu and the board know what they’re doing and if they want the player, you have to accommodate the salary and the amount they want to spend.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta called him a ‘lighthouse’ for another title bid. What are Rice’s strengths?
He’s proved he is a top player at West Ham, not one but four years playing at the top level, one of the best midfield players in English football.
. I saw him play and he has a big personality, he doesn’t avoid responsibility as captain of the team.
He’s won a European competition and has that experience from the Premier League too. He can be one of the main men.
Have you spoken much to your old team-mate Edu about the recruitment?
Declan is proven, he can handle the pressure and be a leader, not only with Arsenal but also England.
He is mature already, we’re not looking at the money, we just want the best players. I was in touch with Edu last year and I know he has the support from the board and he does his best to get the best players in for Arsenal.
Both Rice and fellow summer signing Kai Havertz also have good fitness records, could that be key?
We all know how hard the Premier League is, with the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup as well next season, so you need to check the physical level.
Kai is 24 and has proved he is fit and, most importantly, has the talent.
Is it about having a deeper squad if they are to eclipse Manchester City?
From what I saw last year, it wasn’t about having more players, it was about needing to handle pressure situations, like being 2-0 up at Liverpool and drawing the game.
This time, the team has more experience – Havertz has won the Champions League. He will handle that pressure.
Last season it was a very young team without much experience. This team is more mature now. I think one or two more signings is all they need to challenge for the Premier League.
Will it be more than a two-horse race this time?
I believe Liverpool will recover, Manchester United is getting stronger, Chelsea will have a strategy to get back and Newcastle will be up there.
More teams will be challenging Manchester City and Arsenal at the top, it’s going to be a very hard season.
Lauren was speaking with Online Casinos Available For Players
