Arsenal train in America ahead of 2023/24 Premier League season
Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal have signed a ready-made captain in Declan Rice.
The Gunners finally completed the signing of the England and former West Ham midfielder for a British record transfer fee of £105 million a matter of days ago. The 24-year-old swiftly joined up with his new teammates before being whisked away to the United States for the club's pre-season tour.
Rice, who led West Ham to Europa Conference League triumph last season, has been destined for a big money move for some time after establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, as well as Three Lions staple. Manchester City almost hijacked the move at one point before Arsenal acted and secured their marquee signing of the summer.
Despite being across the pond, the news hasn't escaped Rooney. The Manchester United legend and DC United coach is managing the MLS All-Star team who face the Gunners in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
Should Rice make his informal debut, Rooney will see the most expensive British player up close. But Rooney has already made his mind up on the former Hammer and reckons Arsenal have made a terrific addition to their squadI think he’s a huge signing for Arsenal," Rooney said. "He’s a fantastic player with a great mentality. Young. Arsenal have got a player at the top of his game and I think he’ll bring a great character in the dressing room. He could be captain of Arsenal. He’s a player who Arsenal needed and they’ve certainly got a top player."
Declan Rice trains with Arsenal on their pre-season tour
Declan Rice trains with Arsenal on their pre-season tour (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Rice has been carefully looked after since arriving in the United States, taking part in training by stretching and sticking to the exercise bikes. But Arteta has played down any early injury concerns.
"I just wanted to manage him," said the Gunners boss. "A lot has happened to him in the last five or six days. We have a very hectic schedule. He had a few training sessions and he was really good but prior to that he didn't do much.
"So we just wanted to manage him. He trained today with us. He was in good form and, yeah, he's fine."
And since arriving in Washington D.C. the Arsenal boss has revelled in the signing, believing Rice is exactly what the team needed.
"I see him like a lighthouse," Arteta said. "He is willing to put the light in others, improve others and make the team better.
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