Arsenal completed the £105million signing of Declan Rice from West Ham last month despite Manchester City submitting an offer for the England international.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to Declan Rice’s decision to join Arsenal ahead of securing a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer. The Gunners completed the club record signing of Rice last month after having their third offer of £105million accepted by West Ham.
City had entered the race to sign the England international – but after they saw a £90million bid turned down, they pulled out of the race for his signature. Guardiola has since added former Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic to his squad following Ilkay Gundogan’s move to Barcelona.
Arsenal have made three signings so far this summer – with more expected before the transfer window closes – as Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz arrived ahead of Rice at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners will be looking to close the gap to the Premier League champions next season following their title race fight last term.
Rice’s move to Arsenal as the club’s most expensive signing is one of the most lucrative in Premier League history. City are now close to making Josko Gvardiol the most expensive centre-back in history with Guardiola confirming that the Croatian defєɴԀer is completing a medical ahead of a £78million move to the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola believes Rice will be an ‘incredible player’ for Arsenal and has suggested the midfielder always wanted to link up with the Gunners despite substantial interest from City. “Rice decided on Arsenal so all the best,” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s FA Community Shield final at Wembley.
“He’s an important player, a very nice guy and for England will be important. For Arsenal, what an incredible player.”
Mikel Arteta is desperate to beat City following last season’s title fight – but only one of the last 12 Community Shield winners have gone on to win the Premier League title that season. Gabriel Jesus is set to miss the clash against his former side after undergoing surgery to fix an issue with his knee.
