Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has reportedly distanced himself from some of his team-mates, with the England international singled out for a rusty display in training.
The former West Ham captain has been one of Arsenal’s most important players since completing his move to the Emirates Stadium in a club-record deal worth £105 million.
Rice joined Arsenal after snubbing interest from several top Premier League rivals, including Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, to sign with Mikel Arteta’s side.
The decision to move to north London was driven by Rice’s belief in Arteta as a manager, with the midfielder expressing strong confidence in the Spaniard’s vision for the club.
Speaking to Joe Cole on Channel Four, Rice revealed the key moment that convinced him Arsenal was the right destination for the next chapter of his career.
“From the moment that I met him I knew he was the one that I wanted to take care of the next part of my career,” Rice said of Arteta.
Arsenal had finished as Premier League runners-up in the season prior to Rice’s arrival, and ambitions at the club remain firmly focused on going one step further and lifting the title.
Rice has been central to those ambitions, operating as one of the most combative and technically gifted midfielders in the top flight since making the switch from the London Stadium.
However, the latest reports from Arsenal’s training ground suggest the midfielder has not been at his sharpest, with observers noting a rusty edge to his recent performances in sessions.
The suggestion that Rice has also been keeping distance from certain team-mates adds another layer of intrigue to what has otherwise been a settled and productive spell at the club.
Arsenal supporters will be hoping any dip in form or dressing room tension proves short-lived, with the team relying heavily on Rice’s energy and leadership in the middle of the park.
Arteta has consistently praised Rice’s professionalism and attitude since his arrival, and the manager will no doubt be monitoring the situation closely as the season continues to unfold.
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