Declan Rice Names the Arsenal Player He Has ‘Crazy’ Connection With

• Declan Rice has opened up on his special connection with Eddie Nketiah
• The duo started off their football journey as youngsters at Chelsea before they went separate ways
• They are set to link up once again - but this time at the Emirates after Rice sealed a record-move to Arsenal

Declan Rice will seemingly not have a lonely start to life at the Emirates Stadium after his record summer transfer move.

The England international officially sealed his move to the north London club on Saturday, July 15, ending weeks of speculation that surrounded his future with West Ham.

According to Metro UK, the Gunners forked out an eyewatering £105million to land the services of the versatile midfielder, with the transfer the most expensive in British history.

Rice's arrival coincides with that of Jurrien Timber, who moved to the Emirates from Ajax at the end of last week.

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The duo will be linking up with Kai Havertz, who swapped Chelsea for the north Londoners, to become Arsenal's first signing of the summer.

Rice has a connection with Nketiah

Apparently, Rice will be in good company at the Emirates after he disclosed that he has a crazy connection with youngster Eddie Nketiah.

The duo's connection dates back from their time together at Chelsea as youngsters.

"I played with Eddie from under-nines to under-14s [at Chelsea]," Rice told Arsenal.com.

"We were both released on the same day and it’s crazy where football takes you, your journey. He’s made it through the ranks at Arsenal, I made it through the ranks at West Ham. Now we get to link back up again.

"I’ve always loved Eddie, even though we had that little altercation on the pitch before! I’ve always loved him and been close to his family," he added.

Arsenal unveil Rice

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported Arsenal fans can be at peace now after the club finally confirmed the signing of English midfielder Declan Rice from West Ham for a club-record fee and the highest paid for a British player, with some bit of spice as his unveiling features a Nigerian song named after him.

Rice emerged as a priority for Arsenal after they failed in their pursuit of Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo in January after Brighton rejected multiple bids up to £70m.