GUNNERS BE A BLAST

Dec on board for golden era says Smith

- JOHN CROSS

ALAN SMITH believes Declan Rice chose to join Arsenal because there is a new era of success coming at the Emirates.

The Gunners beat off competition from Treble winners Manchester City to sign the England midfielder in a record-breaking £105m deal.

It raised eyebrows in some quarters but Arsenal legend Smith insists it is because players can always tell when clubs are about to embark on something special.

Pundit Smith (inset) also reckons the club are signing a midfielder who is top-level and Premier League-ready.

Smith, who was top scorer for Arsenal in two title-winning seasons in 1989 and 1991, said: "Declan Rice has his best years ahead of him. He's a really good character. He'll fit into that dressing room really well. He's a Londoner.