Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has revealed what he told Declan Rice to convince him to make the move across London. The winger gave his international team-mate advice before his club-record £105million move to the Emirates.
Rice was Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer. However, they weren’t able to complete a deal for the midfielder until mid-July.
He was the third signing Mikel Arteta made after the earlier arrivals of Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. Arsenal fought off competition from Manchester City to land the 24-year-old.
Rice and Saka had already become close friends in recent years while on England duty. Understandably, Rice wanted to make sure he was making the right decision to leave West Ham for Arsenal and sought advice.
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One person he went to was Saka. The 22-year-old says he told Rice that he could help the Gunners achieve their goal of winning major trophies for years to come.
Saka told talkSPORT: “Obviously he’d ask a few questions and I’d answer them, but yeah, I’d just try to give him the reassurance that he’d be coming to the right club and that the future is exciting for us. If he joined us, he’d make us better and that yeah, we can definitely achieve things.”
Rice has already become a favourite with Arsenal supporters. He played a pivotal role in Sunday’s dramatic 3-1 win at home to Manchester United.
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Rice scored Arsenal’s second goal in the 96th minute before Gabriel Jesus rounded off the win. Saka was delighted that his new club team-mate was able to enjoy such a moment so early after joining.
He added: “That was amazing, I think I’ve watched his goal back 20 times. It was an unbelievable moment for him and his family. Even the stadium, he said it was crazy when he felt the atmosphere.
“He’s right though, it’s really special to play there. I’m just happy he’s happy and that he’s performing, and he’s got his first goal as well, I don’t think there’s a better moment for him to get his first goal. So yeah, I’m happy for him.”
Saka and Rice are both in the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday. The Three Lions then play Scotland in a friendly the following Tuesday before returning to Arsenal, who play winless Everton at Goodison Park on September 17.
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