Arsenal star Declan Rice has delivered a clear message as the Gunners navigate a pivotal point in the season, following their Champions League final qualification and a crucial Premier League title race. Meanwhile, the club has completed a £19million transfer for defender Jakub Kiwior, who joins Porto permanently.
Rice Sets Premier League Title Target
Declan Rice has insisted that Arsenal cannot afford to let Manchester City gain ground in the Premier League table. The 27-year-old is preparing to face his former club West Ham United on Sunday, just days after Arsenal's hard-fought Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid.
Mikel Arteta's side currently sit five points clear of Manchester City, who have a game in hand. An unexpected boost came from City's draw at Everton on Monday, and Arsenal can edge closer to ending their 22-year league title drought with a victory at the London Stadium.
"That club gave me everything, without West Ham there's no me," Rice told Prime Video. "They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn't. A lot of people there really pushed me on, David Moyes, Slaven Bilic and Manuel Pellegrini made me captain. There's loads of good things about that club, so it's not nice to see the position they're in.
"But it's football and I've got a job to do on Sunday. We're trying to win a Premier League title, we want to win every game and I'm sure they will want to as well, so let the best team win."
Arsenal Complete Kiwior Transfer
Porto have announced that defender Jakub Kiwior has completed a permanent move from Arsenal for an initial £14.68million, plus £4.32m in potential add-ons. The 26-year-old Poland international spent the season on loan with the Portuguese champions, making 38 appearances in all competitions.
Kiwior has signed a four-year deal with Porto, which includes a £60.45m release clause. Should he be sold in the future, Arsenal will receive an additional fixed £1.73m fee. The centre-back joined the Gunners from Spezia in January 2023 and made 68 appearances for the club.
Arsenal now face the challenge of refocusing on the Premier League title race, with Rice demanding victory in all remaining matches to secure the trophy.
