The transfer was also completed in time for Arsenal's pre-season tour of the USA which saw him fly out to Washington with his new team-mates. The 24-year-old made his debut against the MLS All-Stars and followed that up by being named in the starting XI to face Manchester United a few days later.
However, the game did not unfold likely how Arteta would have dreamt. Alongside Rice in the midfield was fellow new arrival Kai Havertz and captain Martin Odegaard, however the trio failed to get on the same page which allowed Man United to dominate proceedings.
Asked if he was part of his plans this season, Arteta said: "Without a question of a doubt. Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team. That’s for sure.
"Every time I spoke to him and had a conversation with him he’s ready to stay with us. For me, there’s nothing there at all." Partey then started in the holding role against Barcelona with Rice absent through injury and his importance to the north Londoners now looks to have been realised.
With Partey staying, Rice could be deployed in a more advanced role but Merson is worried it may take him some time to adapt to Arteta's methods. “Declan Rice will need to get used to the way Arsenal play," Merson wrote in his Sportskeeda column. "They move the ball around a lot faster than he’s used to at West Ham and England."
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