Alan Shearer has named his Premier League signing of the season as he's disagreed with a Manchester United legend.
The league is almost at the halfway point as teams head into the busy festive fixtures.
Arsenal find themselves at the top of the table, with 39 points on the board - one point ahead of Liverpool and Aston Villa.
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The Gunners, who finished runners-up to Manchester City last season, have enjoyed a brilliant campaign so far, having won 12 of their 17 league matches.
And Shearer believes Declan Rice has made the difference for Mikel Arteta's team, hailing him as his signing of the season.
His glowing assessment of the England international, who cost £105 million, comes after Dwight Yorke said the player is not yet worth the price tag that he commanded last summer.
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In his BBC Sport column, the Newcastle United legend wrote: "Liverpool's draw left Arsenal in top spot, after their comfortable win over Brighton earlier in the day. It is clear the Gunners have improved from last season, when they pushed City close until the final few games, and it is Declan Rice who has made the biggest difference.
"I would go as far as saying he has been the stand-out signing from the summer, and the £100m he cost from West Ham looks like money well spent. Rice has made the Gunners more solid and also gives them an extra little bit of bite in midfield, but everything he does on the ball is top class as well.
"Arsenal haven't been quite as exciting as they were last year going forward but, along with Liverpool, they have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League so far and I think they will be delighted with the progress they have made."
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Yorke, however, insists Rice needs to win trophies before his price tag can be justified.
"Declan Rice needs to win a couple of trophies before I change my tune. I know he scored important goals against Luton and Man United, but that's what you'd expect when you spend such a large fee," he told Mega Dice.
"Scoring a few important goals doesn't mean much if you finish second at the end of the season. That's not what I want my £100million man to be doing - I want him to win major trophies.
"People think that's unfair, but the fee is a hell of a lot to spend to finish second. People may think there's more to it, but you have to bring success to the club if you've joined for that amount of money. There's no point otherwise.
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"Rice can score important goals, but it means nothing if Arsenal don't win trophies. I expect Rice to be like a modern Roy Keane and drag his team to silverware. If he does that, then I'll have no issues with his fee.
"I think Rice is a damn good player, but I don't see £105million in him. I suppose that's just the market, though. If Rice delivers success, then I'll be the first one to congratulate him."
Rice has played in every league game for Arsenal this season and has weighed in with three goals, including a last-minute winner against Luton Town earlier this month. He also netted a dramatic goal against Manchester United.
Topics: Alan Shearer, Declan Rice, Football, Manchester United
Nasir Jabbar