Rice calls on Arsenal board to make signings this summer | OneFootball

Declan Rice has urged the Arsenal board to make signings this summer as the club look to take the next step to silverware.

Arsenal confirmed their position as Premier League runners-up for a third consecutive campaign after beating Newcastle United 1-0 on Sunday. Rice scored the only goal of the game on 55 minutes, whipping a fabulous finish past Nick Pope from the edge of the area.

The win sealed Champions League qualification for next season, but Rice admitted Arsenal have been disappointed by their Premier League campaign. The North Londoners are a distant second in the table, 12 points behind champions Liverpool, having played a game more.

Having been involved in tense title races across the last two campaigns, Rice admits Arsenal have dipped below the standard expected in the league. He cited the club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals as a factor in their patchy league form.

Rice says Arsenal ‘poor by our standards’ this season

“We’ve been poor by our standards the last few weeks in the league. We went so hard in the Champions League our form dropped in the Premier League,” Rice said to Sky Sports.

“Newcastle are such an in-form side and the manager’s message was clear, take it personal. We grew into the game and we showed that grit and three points at home, great way to end the league at home.

“We have to be at the level every week, we had such a good chance in the Champions League we had momentum with that and the league slipped away a few weeks ago. Today to win was massive and Newcastle are such a good side.

“About time I started scoring frequently. I liked that finish a lot, whipping across the keeper. Special moment for me.”

Mikel Arteta promised there was more to come from Arsenal when addressing the fans at full-time. Rice agreed with the head coach but called on the Arsenal board to invest in the team this summer.

“After coming so close in the league last year, we were poor this year by our standards. To go out of every cup competition – with the players and the manager we’ve got – we need to be competing for titles and trophies, we can’t take anything for granted.

“We’re probably going to lose a few players so we need to sign more players. We’ll strengthen over the summer. We’re going to come back more hungry and stronger wanting to win something for this club.”

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