Arsenal legend Wenger rates £105m Rice signing and makes Premier League title prediction

Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger thinks the £105m spent on Declan Rice will prove to be a “good investment” for the Gunners.

West Ham confirmed Rice’s departure from the club on Saturday morning with Arsenal confirming that a deal had been done by the afternoon.

There was months of speculation linking the England international to a number of clubs before news came earlier this month that the Gunners had struck a £105m deal.

Rice’s move to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term contract sees him become the most expensive English player in history and follows on from the former Irons captain having guided his old club to victory in the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.

And Wenger, who spent 22 years as manager of Arsenal, has fully endorsed the move for Rice, who joins Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber as the Gunners’ new signings.

“I think it is a good investment,” Wenger told Eurosport.

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“Overall, personally I think they have made good buys as they are players who are now mature, 23, 24, but still young so can stay together for a few years.

“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.”

Arsenal finish as runners-up in the Premier League last term, five points behind champions Manchester City, although Mikel Arteta’s side led the way for most of the season.

Man City could face increased competition from Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool next season as Pep Guardiola looks to win his fourth consecutive Premier League title.

When asked for his thoughts on the Premier League title race next term, Wenger added: “I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that. I have less doubts for Arsenal than the cycling today.”

Speaking at the start of Stage 15 of the Tour de France, Wenger described his love for cycling, he continued: “I love cycling. In France everybody grows up with the Tour de France.

“I am friends with Christian Prudhomme (general director of Tour de France) and he invited me to watch it from inside. It is a bit like going inside the dressing room of a football team.

“Today should be a battle between two exceptional champions. Everybody has the same thinking of who will win it.

“At some stage somebody has to make the difference. That is what we are all excited about.”