Declan Rice knows what it will take to replace 'inspirational' Granit Xhaka
Former Arsenal star Ray Parlour knows record signing Declan Rice is aware of the pressure on him, but has backed the England star to provide the kind of leadership the Gunners need after Granit Xhaka's exit.
Rice, 24, joined from West Ham in a deal which will see Mikel Arteta's side part with up to £105m. He has been joined in North London by Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, with all three new signings in contention to feature in Sunday's Community Shield.
While the Gunners are in no doubt about Rice's quality, the bigger challenge will come in replacing the overall presence of long-serving midfielder Granit Xhaka after the Swiss international's move to Bayer Leverkusen. Parlour has spoken to Rice, though, and the conversations have put his mind at ease.
"I spoke to him on the tour and he was really excited about the season, he said of course there's pressure because you're a £105m player, but I'm sure he can deal with it," said Parlour, speaking to Mirror Football, courtesy of NetBet Online Casino. "He's dealt with anything for England so far, so I think he's just looking forward to starting and playing, and it's a really good young squad there.
"[He's] an excellent signing and a really good lad as well. I always think as much as ability is very important, you've got to look at characters as well, and he's a leader.
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"You need leaders all over the park, not just the captain, you need other players to stand up as well. We know he's been captain at West Ham, so I think he's been a brilliant signing from Arsenal's point of view - I thought they wouldn't be able to afford him but they've come up with the money and I'm sure he's delighted and can't wait to play for Arsenal Football Club."
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Declan Rice has been settling into life at Arsenal (Dave Shopland/REX/Shutterstock)Xhaka, who joined Bayer Leverkusen for a little over £20m, had been one of Arsenal's longest-serving players before the move. After surviving some hairy moments which could have brought an exit in the 2019-20 season, the Swiss star enjoyed a renaissance under Mikel Arteta.
The issue, in Parlour's mind, is the length of deal available to him at the Emirates Stadium. Leverkusen have handed the 30-year-old a five year deal, while also allowing him the opportunity to return to the Bundesliga after spending time with Borussia Monchengladbach earlier in his career.
"Granit obviously got the deal he wanted," Parlour said. "I think he wanted a long contract at Arsenal which they weren't willing to do. But good luck to him, Granit, he's been a good servant.
"It looked like his playing days were over at one stage when he came off [against Crystal Palace in 2019] but he's really turned it around last season. He was very inspirational for the young players, especially in the midfield area, and he played that little bit advanced role, didn't he, and looked like he enjoyed it.
"Sad to see him go but that's what happens when you get to the latter stages of his career. He's probably got a good five year contract at Bayer Leverkusen and his family are probably very happy and very willing to go there."
Xhaka's role last season was a little different to in previous years, and a little closer to the more advanced role he has filled for Switzerland at times. The benefit was plain to see, with his seven goals in the league and nine in all competitions representing his best single-season return at club level.
Rice himself scored a career-best four in the league for West Ham as he was allowed to get forward more under David Moyes, even if many expect him to play a deeper role this term with Havertz used as the closer on-pitch replacement for Xhaka. When it comes to leadership, though, there's a firm belief that Rice can replace the impact of Xhaka in what remains a young squad for last season's Premier League runners-up.
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