John Obi Mikel says one Arsenal player has completely ‘changed’ Mikel Arteta’s side, ‘he’s a machine’

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Mikel Arteta has built a fantastic squad at Arsenal over the years.

The Gunners weren’t even good enough to be in the top six when the Spaniard took charge, but he has transformed them into one of the best teams in the world in recent seasons.

Almost every major signing Arteta has made at Arsenal has been a big success. Even those who were doubted by fans have come good.

One player who everyone thought would be a success has been just that at the Emirates, and Chelsea icon John Obi Mikel has been really impressed.

John Obi Mikel says ‘machine’ Declan Rice has changed Arsenal

Arsenal smashed their transfer record to sign Declan Rice in the summer of 2023.

The Gunners paid an initial £100 million for his signature, and he has been so good that Arsenal fans sing they got Rice for half price.

The Englishman started off as a number six under Mikel Arteta, but he has since been given a more advanced role in central midfield.

Rice has been absolutely sensational, and Mikel has claimed that the England international has completely changed this Gunners side.

While speaking to Jack Wilshere on his podcast, Mikel said: “He’s a machine!

“I mean, I’ve always said, for me, I still think the best defensive midfield player in the Premier League, in my opinion, is Rodri.

“But Dec is not far away. Dec, he’s changed this Arsenal team as well, like he’s made them more solid and competitive. So that’s why they concede less goals.

“He can carry the ball – that’s something that not a lot of defensive players can do. He can carry the ball, and technically, he is very good as well. So he’s a fantastic player.”

Declan Rice will become even better now because of one player

Rice is already a world-class player, and he took his game to a whole new level last season.

The Englishman will be a key player for the Gunners next term, and we think he will be even better than last season because of one player – new signing Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard is among the best in the business in that number six role, and his presence in the middle of the park will give Rice even more freedom to go forward.

That will make Arsenal a much stronger side than they were last term, and fans will be hoping that it will get them over the line in the Premier League.