Declan Rice sets Arsenal trophy target & hails 'crazy' new teammate

The England international is early awaiting his home debut for Arsenal after completing a club-record transfer.

Declan Rice has his eyes set on Premier League glory as he eagerly awaits his Arsenal debut at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite leading the Premier League for 248 days last season, Arsenal settled for a second-place finish, five points behind winners Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta has since strengthed his squad over the summer. The manager has welcomed three new signings – Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz – for approximately €231.6 million in transfer fees.

Now, in an interview with Arsenal’s YouTube channel, Rice expressed his excitement about playing at the Emirates.

“What a stadium and we’re very lucky to play our home football there,” he said.

“Last year, the place was crazy with the atmosphere and the fans. Some of the games… hopefully this year we can go one better [in the Premier League] and excite the fans even more.”

Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for a club-record fee of €116.6 million earlier this month, also praised Bukayo Saka’s development in north London.

“I watched you play for England’s under 17s at St George’s or under 18s,’ Rice told his new Gunners teammate.

“He played left wing-back, that’s when I first saw Saka, the growth since then has just been crazy!”

Arsenal fans will be hoping that Rice and Saka can help the team win their first top-flight trophy since 2004.

Arteta’s side return to action on Thursday for a fourth pre-season friendly. They’ll play FC Barcelona at the SoFi Stadium in California.