Pep Guardiola reacts to Declan Rice joining Arsenal ahead of Man City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has finally reacted to the decision of Declan Rice to join Arsenal ahead of his side.

The Premier League champions tried to hijack the deal for the England international midfielder but he opted to join the Gunners instead.

Rice will come up against Man City in the Community Shield on Sunday and Guardiola has sent the 24-year-old his best wishes.

“Rice decided on Arsenal,” the Catalan said during his press conference today.

“All the best. He is an important player, a very nice guy and for England will be important.

“For Arsenal, what an incredible player.”

Man City lost Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona after his contract ended and were keen to sign Rice as a replacement for the Germany international.

Guardiola admires Rice and was hoping to convince him to join his team, and the Premier League champions tabled a bid for his services.

However, Arsenal pipped them to his signature, agreeing to do a deal for a club-record £105 million, and the former West Ham star will be looking forward to the new campaign.

The Gunners will challenge City for the Premier League title again after missing out last term despite leading the way for nine months.

Beating them to Rice is huge as Guardiola and his men could have become unbeatable with the addition of the Englishman.

He has shown what he is capable of doing in the friendly games he has featured in during pre-season preparations, and all eyes will be on him on Sunday.

Guardiola knows the quality Arsenal have gotten by adding Rice to their ranks, and the onus is on manager Mikel Arteta to get the best out of him.

Rice has been impressed with how much he has learnt within the few weeks he has spent under the Spaniard and his new teammates, and the Gunners have to deliver the goods and win major silverware this season.