Wenger: 'Rice will help Arsenal win the Premier League'

According to legendary former coach Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's record-breaking $137 million investment to buy midfielder Declan Rice is a good investment, and could help the team win the championship next season.

Arsenal has spent the most since the beginning of the summer of 2023. At the end of June, the Emirates Stadium owner recruited 24-year-old midfielder Kai Havertz from Chelsea for a total transfer fee of 82 million USD. On July 14, the "Gunners" introduced their second new player - 22-year-old center back Jurrien Timber, who transferred from Ajax for a fee of 45 million USD plus 6 million USD in additional fees.

On July 15, Arsenal completed a record deal to buy Rice from West Ham for a total fee of 137 million USD. Thanks to that, Rice became the most expensive English player in history, breaking the record of 127 million USD that Man City spent to buy Jack Grealish from Aston Villa in 2021, and also the most expensive contract in Arsenal history, deeply breaking the record of 87 million USD of Nicolas Pepe in the summer of 2019.

Coach Arteta (left) and Sporting Director Edu introduce Rice at Emirates Stadium, London on July 15. Photo: AFC

Building a youthful squad has been a hallmark of Wenger's 22-year tenure at Arsenal, and he hails the arrivals of Rice and Timber at the Emirates as a continuation of that philosophy.

"I think it's a good investment," the former French coach told Eurosport on July 16. "Looking at them, I think Arsenal have bought well because the players are mature, but they are only 23, 24, still young so they can stick together for a few years. Arsenal will be under more pressure after last year, but they have learned a lot and have to prove they can cope with that pressure."

Wenger is the most successful manager in Arsenal's history. During his 22 years in charge of the club, from 1996 to 2018, he won three Premier League titles, including the 2003-04 unbeaten season, seven FA Cups and reached the 2006 Champions League final.

The 73-year-old said he wanted to make similar transfers towards the end of his time in charge of the club, but was held back by budget constraints. "I had to deal with not having the money and had to find another way," Wenger said. "Arsenal are now in a good financial position and buying what they think will help them win the Premier League."

Wenger spoke to Eurosport on the sidelines of stage 15 of the Tour de France on July 16. Photo: Twitter / Gooner Chris

Last season, Arsenal had the best start in the club's history, holding the advantage in the Premier League title race when at one point they were eight points ahead of Man City. But in the final stages, the Emirates Stadium team gradually lost steam, drawing three and losing three of their ten matches, then losing the title to Man City. When asked about the championship race next season, Wenger said simply: "I believe Arsenal will win, it's that simple."

After leaving Arsenal, Wenger joined FIFA as its Director of Global Football Development. He is also a member of the IFAB Football and Technical Advisory Board - the body responsible for the laws of the game.

Hong Duy

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