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Rio Ferdinand has lavished praise on Arsenal star and claims the club\u2019s record signing has \u2018fitted like a glove\u2019 into Mikel Arteta\u2019s side.<\/p>\n
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
Eyebrows were raised when the Gunners smashed their transfer record and spent \u00a3105million on the former West Ham skipper. <\/p>\n
Rice\u2019s impact and influence on a team that finished as runners-up to Manchester City last season has been instantaneous, however.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old followed up his match-winning performance against Manchester United prior to the international break with another commanding display at the heart of Arsenal\u2019s midfield in Sunday\u2019s win at struggling Everton. <\/p>\n
Such has been the seamless way in which Rice has slotted in to the Gunners\u2019 engine room, that the chatter around his transfer fee has died down which represents a surefire sign of his form, according to Ferdinand. <\/p>\n
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\u2018There was a lot said about Declan Rice by the way and his transfer and the price of it at the beginning of the season,\u2019 Ferdinand, who cost Manchester United what was then a British transfer record of \u00a329m when he joined from Leeds United in the summer of 2002. <\/p>\n
\u2018There\u2019s very much less said about it right now and that tells you this guy is playing at a very good level, he\u2019s operating at a high level and that\u2019s testament to him. <\/p>\n
\u2018When you go for a high fee that\u2019s all that\u2019s mentioned when it\u2019s not going well or you\u2019re mediocre. <\/p>\n
\u2018But when it\u2019s going well people don\u2019t even mention it. So I\u2019m gauging his performances just judged off of that. <\/p>\n
\u2018Forget the eye test, people are not chatting about \u00a3100million now. <\/p>\n
\u2018He\u2019s kind of fitted in like a glove and added a bit more steel and security and calmness to that team.\u2019<\/p>\n