Arsenal legend, Ian Wright has revealed how he begged Declan Rice to join Arsenal from West Ham this summer.
The 24-year-old was announced as an Arsenal player on Saturday, 15th of July 2023 after weeks of expectation. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United were also said to have shown interest in signing the England midfielder from West Ham.
Sky Sports reports that Rice has signed a five-year deal after Arsenal agreed to pay a club-record £105 million in transfer fees for him to come onboard.
According to Wright, he played part in the defensive midfielder’s blockbuster move to the red side of north London.
Speaking on the Wrighty’s House podcast, the former England striker said; “Everyone was talking about when I went to the England squad, I was tapping him up. Yes I F*g was. Literally, I was begging him!.
I don’t work for the club, I’m an Arsenal fan. I said, ‘look at you and Saka, how cool you look together’, it’s just excitement.”
Meanwhile in other news….
Scottish Premiership club, Rangers FC recently announced the signing of 28-year-old Nigeria forward, Cyriel Dessers ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Dessers, who joined the Gers from Serie A club Cremonese, signed a four-year contract. He is Rangers’ sixth signing of the summer. Rangers paid €5m deal plus €1.5m in add-ons for the striker.
Speaking after signing for Rangers, Dessers said: “I am really happy, it is a big relief to finally be here. There have been some long days and some stressful days, but it is a great feeling to finally be here.
“The history of the club, the fans, the stadium, it’s massive, but next to that I look at what is here at this moment. I had really good talks with Michael Beale about his plans, the ideas of what he wants on and off the pitch and I thought that could be a really good fit for me and for the team so I am happy to be here.”
Dessers spent one season at Cremonese, netting seven times in 29 league appearances. He was top scorer in the UEFA Conference League with 10 goals two seasons ago.
