29 August 2023 , 19:09
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Ex-Arsenal ace Cesc Fabregas has admitted he expects his former side to challenge for the Premier League title once again this term.
Mikel Arteta's side took many fans and pundits alike by surprise last season with their second-placed finish. The Gunners actually spent the overwhelming majority of the campaign top of the pile, only to surrender momentum at the vital stage and see Manchester City capitalise to win their fourth title in five seasons.
However, after a summer of heavy spending, including the £105million acquisition of club-record signing Declan Rice, expectations around the Emirates have shifted and if last season's late capitulation was somewhat of a 'free hit', the Arsenal fanbase are now of the belief their side can go the distance.
Fabregas certainly seems to agree and has singled out Rice for praise, insisting the England international has what it takes to establish himself as a leader in the Gunners dressing room. The midfielder was not the only expensive addition to arrive in the red half of north London this summer, with Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also now Arsenal players, as well as David Raya on a loan deal.
Pressed for comment on his thoughts for Arsenal's season ahead, the 2010 World Cup winner explained to Sky Sports: "They will compete for the title again, 100%. I do see Arsenal being stronger than last year so I think they will push them [Manchester City] even further. So if they want to win a title I think it will take them an even more harder job than what they did last year – which actually they did really well."
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Discussing Rice and the impact he'll have at Arsenal, Fabregas added: "Fantastic. You can see straight away his personality and his quality. He already brings a new dimension to the team.
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Declan Rice has been tipped for big things by ex-Arsenal ace Cesc Fabregas (Getty Images)"He’s one of those players that doesn’t really need too much time to adapt to the philosophy or whatever it is they are doing because he’s so smart," the Spaniard continued. "As I said, he’s got the personality to play for a very big club. I’ve been following him already for a few seasons at West Ham and he could be a great, great leader for Arsenal."
Rice has enjoyed a positive enough start to his Gunners career, putting in a man of the match display for Arsenal's second game of the season away at Crystal Palace, after which he was the subject of further praise from his boss.
"He bossed the midfield and dominated the game. He was very influential, both attacking and defending," Arteta told reporters.