Bukayo Saka opens up about his role in Arsenal’s £105m signing of Declan Rice

In a candid discussion, Bukayo Saka has lifted the lid on his involvement in Arsenal‘s marquee signing this summer.

The England winger played a significant role in the transfer saga that led to Declan Rice leaving West Ham for the Emirates for a record £105 million.

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (L) with Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (C) and Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah celebrates scoring the team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (L) with Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (C) and Arsenal’s English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah celebrates scoring the team’s second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Rice’s transfer: The behind-the-scenes role of Saka

In a summer that saw Arsenal pull off one of the most talked-about transfers, Saka has revealed the role he played in convincing Rice to make the move.

While Rice’s price tag was substantial, negotiations were complex due to the rival interest from Manchester City.

Saka, in a talkSPORT interview, shed light on his interactions with Rice: “Obviously he’d ask a few questions and I’d answer them, but yeah, I’d just try to give him the reassurance that he’d be coming to the right club and that the future is exciting for us.

“If he joined us, he’d make us better and that yeah, we can definitely achieve things.”

The £105 million question and the City’s withdrawal

Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice celebrates after scoring their late second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice celebrates after scoring their late second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

It’s well documented that the Hammers initially negotiated with reigning champions Manchester City.

However, when Arsenal escalated the bid past £100 million, City reportedly pulled out of any further talks, paving the way for the Gunners.

Rice makes an instant impact

Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice celebrates with Arsenal's Italian midfielder #20 Jorginho (R) after scoring their late second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice celebrates with Arsenal’s Italian midfielder #20 Jorginho (R) after scoring their late second goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium in London on September 3, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Rice has been quick to endear himself to the Arsenal faithful, most notably by scoring a 96th-minute winner against Manchester United recently.

“That was amazing, I think I’ve watched his goal back 20 times,” Saka exclaimed. “It was an unbelievable moment for him and his family. Even the stadium, he said it was crazy when he felt the atmosphere.”

“He’s right though, it’s really special to play there. I’m just happy he’s happy and that he’s performing, and he’s got his first goal as well, I don’t think there’s a better moment for him to get his first goal. So yeah, I’m happy for him.”

A thriving English core at the Emirates

While the spotlight is on Rice, Saka himself has been making waves, having been named England men’s player of the year for the second consecutive season as well as being nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

Alongside them, Arsenal boasts a strong English core, including the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah.