Declan Rice reveals what ‘everyone’ in the Arsenal squad is already thinking about Noni Madueke

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Declan Rice is ecstatic to have Noni Madueke at Arsenal, being a close friend of the winger.

Madueke has friends in the Arsenal squad, revealing that he spoke to Rice, Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Jurrien Timber before joining.

The winger completed a £52m transfer from Chelsea to join Mikel Arteta’s project, with the Arsenal manager overjoyed to have the 23-year-old on board.

Both Arteta and Andrea Berta noticed Madueke’s happiness when the Englishman arrived at Colney to become the Gunners’ fourth summer signing.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta has already rejected Noni Madueke’s first request at Arsenal, decision has been made

Declan Rice sends special message to Noni Madueke 

Arsenal documented Madueke’s first day at the club, showing an insight into what goes on behind the scenes when a player signs. 

One special moment from the video was a letter Rice wrote to his international teammate to welcome him to the Arsenal squad. 

The midfielder penned a heartfelt message to Madueke, where he revealed that ‘everyone’ in the squad is already excited to play alongside him.

“Welcome to the Arsenal family. Noni, my brother, I’m buzzing for you to join the club,” Rice began.

“We’ve got an unbelievable group and everyone is looking forward to playing with you.”

The former West Ham captain went on to predict that the winger will enjoy ‘special moments’ at Arsenal, as well as informing fans of what the £52m signing can offer. 

“We are going to enjoy special moments together and bring success to this club, which everyone wants, and you are going to be a massive part of that.

“Knowing you as a person and as a player, your arrival is going to be a big statement, and I know you’re going to be incredible for us. You have so many qualities already and so much capacity to keep growing with us.”

Madueke’s smile when reading the letter said it all, with the 23-year-old expressing his gratitude to receive the note from his new teammate.

“Appreciate you, bro. Thanks.” 

Rice’s record when playing alongside Madueke 

It’s no surprise that Rice is happy to have Madueke join Arsenal, as the pair have a close relationship away from the pitch.

The midfielder and wide forward have shared the pitch five times in their career while representing England, winning three of the five games.

One thing the duo are yet to do is record a joint goal participation together, something they’ll be eager to change at Arsenal, particularly as Rice plays far more offensively for his club than he does for his country.

For now, the Arsenal squad will put the work in on their tour of Asia while Madueke continues to rest, having participated at the Club World Cup with Chelsea.