Declan Rice will ‘lift’ Arsenal, claims Aaron Ramsdale – who tips the £105m midfielder to bring infectious ‘energy’ to Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of Premier League title bid

Aaron Ramsdale has backed Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice to be a success in his new surroundings and believes he will ‘lift’ the club after last season’s failed title bid.

Rice was confirmed as Arsenal’s latest star signing on Saturday as the Gunners forked out £105m to West Ham for their captain – the second highest fee paid for an English talent.

He has already linked up with his new colleagues on their pre-season tour of America and could make his new club debut on Thursday when Arsenal take on an MLS all-stars team in Washington.

Gunners goalkeeper Ramsdale made his move to the Emirates two years ago and is confident Rice will bring a bounce to Mikel Arteta’s side alongside fellow new signing Kai Havertz who joined for £65m from Chelsea.

‘[He will bring] Energy, on and off the pitch,’ Ramsdale told the newly-rebranded TNT Sports.

Declan Rice has been setting into his new surroundings during pre-season training with Arsenal

Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale (left) believes Rice (right) will ‘lift’ the squad

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to put Rice into a starting midfield role

‘He’s a loud character and loves to make people smile and laugh. It will be good to bounce off him because we’re similar personalities.

‘He was a great servant for West Ham and achieved a lot there, helping them win a trophy last season as captain. 

‘He left there with great experiences and he’s going to try and lift us now,’ he added.

‘Having another person in the squad can only be useful and he can play different roles too.’

The  24-year-old is expected to slot straight into Arsenal’s midfield three alongside team captain Martin Odegaard and likely either Thomas Partey or Kai Havertz.

Success found Rice in a defensive midfield role at West Ham, however he could be afforded more attacking freedom by Arteta as he attempts to improve the Englishman.

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League standings behind Treble-winning champions Manchester City last season and will attempt to reignite their rivalry with Pep Guardiola’s squad next season.

Rice tasted silverware success as West Ham clinched the Europa Conference League and will be hoping for more major honours at Arsenal ahead of his first time competing in the Champions League.

Rice became the second-most expensive English player of all time in a £105m transfer to Arsenal