In a recent interview, Arsenal’s ex-manager, Arsene Wenger, strongly backed Mikel Arteta’s side for the upcoming Premier League season.

His comments come following the club’s record signing of Declan Rice from West Ham for £105m.

Declan Rice after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Declan Rice after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
  • Arsene Wenger forecasts Premier League triumph for Arsenal following the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.
  • Wenger appreciates the strategic investment, describing the 24-year-old midfielder as mature yet youthful, ideal for Arsenal’s championship ambitions.
  • Arsenal’s management anticipate Rice’s winning influence, having demonstrated his capabilities in helping West Ham lift the Europa Conference League.

Arsene Wenger predicts Premier League victory for Arsenal with Declan Rice

Declan Rice after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Declan Rice after signing for Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is optimistic about the club’s upcoming Premier League campaign, praising the record signing of Declan Rice from West Ham.

The transfer, which saw Rice switch loyalties for a whopping £100 million, plus £5 million in possible add-ons, marks a significant change in Arsenal’s traditional spending approach.

However, Wenger, whose illustrious 22-year stint at Arsenal ended in 2018, defends the pricey acquisition.

Declan Rice: A valuable asset

Declan Rice signing for Arsenal alongside Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar (Photo via Arsenal.com)
Declan Rice signing for Arsenal alongside Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Wenger expressed confidence in Rice’s potential, stating, “I think it is a good investment. They are now mature players, still young, and can stay together for a few years.”

His comments followed while attending the Tour de France, symbolising the veteran manager’s continued engagement in the sporting world.

Arsenal’s financial status now allows for such substantial investments. Wenger believes these moves demonstrate the club’s ambition and drive for championship success, drawing parallels to his management era when he had to navigate with limited resources.

He confidently declared, “I believe we will win the championship. I have less doubts for Arsenal than the cycling today.”

Arsenal’s journey to the top

Mikel Arteta ponders Arsenal's defeat vs Brighton and Gabriel Martinell's injury that left him in a protective boot. Martin Odegard is in the background
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks dejected following the team’s defeat during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Emirates Stadium on May 14, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Despite the disappointments of last season, where Arsenal led for a considerable period before ultimately falling behind a treble-winning Manchester City, the club exhibits determination and resilience.

Alongside Rice’s acquisition, the Gunners have also secured Kai Havertz from Chelsea and right-back Jurrien Timber from Ajax, further reinforcing the team.

Rice, who played a pivotal role in West Ham’s Europa Conference League success this year, is set to inject his winning influence in north London.

The 24-year-old English midfielder’s inclusion undoubtedly enhances Arsenal’s title chances in the upcoming season, with Wenger affirming this sentiment.

Wenger’s close watch

arsene wenger
Arsene Wenger

Even after stepping down from his managerial role, Wenger maintains a keen interest in Arsenal and the broader sports world.

While attending the Tour de France, he showed curiosity in examining the inner workings of the race and drew comparisons to the dynamics of a football team’s dressing room.

His continued passion for sports provides an intriguing insight into the mind of a renowned football manager.

Arsenal fans worldwide will be hopeful of Wenger’s predictions materialising in the coming season as the Gunners aim to re-establish their standing in the Premier League.