Manchester City had interest in signing Declan Rice while he was still at West Ham but it was Arsenal and Mikel Arteta that won over the midfielder with their project

Declan Rice has revealed he joined Arsenal over Manchester City as the Gunners' project was more appealing.

The north London side remain in contention for the Premier League title and current sit top, one point ahead of their rivals. Pep Guardiola's side do hold a game in hand however.

Arsenal hope to go one step further than 12 months previous when they finished second. Signing Rice was a significant step in Mikel Arteta's attempts to improve his team.

The 25-year-old was one of the most sought-after talents in world football last summer as Arsenal landed the midfielder in a £105million deal. City were also interested in agreeing a deal for the England international but saw a £90m bid rejected by West Ham.

While the possibility of playing alongside Rodri may have proved tempting, Rice explained he sees Arsenal achieving big things. "I know," he told The Athletic.

"But this project seemed more exciting and that’s why I chose to come to Arsenal, because I believe we’re on to big things here."

Arsenal's midfielder spoke in glowing terms about his Manchester City counterpart, and labelled him as 'the best in the world'. Rice believes he is afforded more freedom than Rodri however.

"We’re different players, I feel," he said, "With Rodri, he was born in Spain, he’s always been a natural No. 6.

"You can just tell by the way he plays that he’s worked under Pep (Guardiola) for so long. He’s a lot more structured than I am. I’d say I’m a lot more off-the-cuff. Obviously, this season I’ve been more structured. But in terms of the way I play, I feel like… being free a little bit more.

"There are different things that we complement each other on — but no doubt, he’s the best in the world."

It is as a No. 6 that Rice was signed for the Gunners, though Arteta noted ahead of his move that the midfielder could be a No. 8 at the Emirates too.

"He said that you have goalscoring capabilities and capabilities to make assists and make things happen,” Rice said. "But obviously he knew my biggest strength was probably playing No 6."