Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Raya warning, Jesus blow, Arteta’s Rice verdict

Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has backed Declan Rice to be a “wonderful signing for Arsenal” after his record £105m move from West Ham.

“The market decides the prices. The valuation is what it is and Arsenal were prepared to pay the price for Declan, so it proves how highly they value his ability,” Silvestre told GGRecon.

“English teams have to pay a premium for English players, so if Declan Rice was German, Spanish or Italian, then he wouldn’t have cost that much money. If you’re an English player playing in the Premier League, then you’re going to cost a lot of money.

“We’ve seen it before when Manchester United paid Leicester City £80 million for Harry Maguire. What matters is what Declan will deliver on the pitch.

“He has the right attitude and mental strength to overcome the pressure that comes with being bought for such a fee and I believe he will be a wonderful signing for Arsenal.

“Arsenal’s forward players will be happy to see Declan in the team as he will create plenty of chances for them and once Declan begins to deliver, people will stop talking about his price tag.”