Arsene Wenger dares Man City after Declan Rice transfer and makes bold title prediction

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Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his confidence in Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League title after the club’s record-breaking signing of midfielder Declan Rice. 

The eagerly anticipated arrival of Rice from West Ham United was officially announced on Saturday, culminating a summer-long pursuit that saw Arsenal successfully fend off interest from Manchester City. 

The Gunners made history by shelling out a colossal £105 million fee for the talented midfielder, establishing a new transfer record for the 13-time Premier League champions.

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, is hopeful that Rice’s addition will be the final missing piece in the quest to end a 20-year drought for a league title. 

Wenger, who guided Arsenal to their last Premier League triumph, shares Arteta’s optimism and believes that Rice possesses the potential to be a transformative player for the team.

Wenger commended the club’s decision to break their previous transfer record of £72 million, set by Nicolas Pepe’s acquisition, in order to secure the services of the highly sought-after England international. 

He confidently predicted that Arteta, aided by Rice’s presence, would finally break the title curse and guide Arsenal to Premier League glory.

“I think it is a good investment. Overall, personally I think they have made good buys as they are players who are now mature, 23, 24, and still young so can stay together for a few years,” Arsene Wenger shared with Eurosport. 

“They will be under more pressure after last year, but they have learned a lot and they can show they can deal with that pressure now. I had to cope with no money at all, so you have to find a different way. 

“Arsenal is now in a good financial situation and bought what they think will win the championship. I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that. I have fewer doubts for Arsenal than the cycling today.”

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In his official interview as an Arsenal player, Declan Rice revealed that Arsenal’s emergence as a serious contender for trophies was the primary factor influencing his decision to join the club. 

He lavished praise on Mikel Arteta, highlighting the exciting style of play that the Spanish tactician has instilled within the team.

He said: “Big clubs, like Arsenal, have come for me and it’s really hard to turn down. You only ever get one career and I really believe in what Mikel is building here and the squad he’s building. I’m really looking forward to the future with Arsenal.

“I’ve been looking at Arsenal over the last couple of seasons and the trajectory they’ve been going on. Not last season but the season before, they finished fifth but you could see the style of play Mikel was implementing.

“Last season was an outstanding season, blowing pretty much every team out of the water with the exception of Man City. With Mikel and how he works, the squad, how young everyone is, the energy around the club and also the challenge of getting Arsenal back to where they belong, that means a lot to me.

“I know the fans really want that. For me as a player, I’ve come here really hungry to have more success and to spend my best years at this great club. I know I’ve got more levels to go up in my game, and I feel like he’s the manager to take me to those next levels.”

With the arrival of Declan Rice, Arsenal is looking to build on their impressive performance from the previous season and mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title. 

The club’s ambitious transfer strategy, coupled with the unwavering belief of legendary manager Arsene Wenger, has sparked renewed optimism and anticipation among Arsenal fans as they eagerly await the start of the upcoming Premier League campaign.

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