, Paul Pogba , Mykhailo Mudryk , Antony , Darwin Nunez, Harry Maguire , Virgil van Dijk , Jadon Sancho , Nicolas Pepe , Kepa Arrizabalaga , Wesley Fofana, Kai Havertz and Casemiro. Only Van Dijk and Casemiro proved an instant hit. And while Grealish is now thriving at Manchester City after a tough first year - and the jury is still out on a few of the others - most have been severe disappointments. Rice, however, feels different. Here is a 24-year-old, approaching the peak of his powers, with more than 200 Premier League appearances to his name, with the ability and personality that makes him look like a sure-fire success. It is difficult to imagine Rice feeling overawed by his new surroundings at the Emirates as he prepares to make his Champions League debut at a club which is returning to European football's top table after a five-year absence. Rice has just lifted a European trophy as West Ham captain - a feat Arsenal haven't achieved in almost 30 years. 6 Man City's £100m man Grealish thrived at the Etihad last season but wasn't an immediate hit Credit: Getty 6 Van Dijk has been one of Liverpool's star players since he joined in 2017 Credit: Getty Sun Sport runs the rule){kind=link}
THERE is nothing more exciting for a football fan in the summer than a big-money signing.
Then, almost without exception, there is nothing more maddening than watching a player recruited for a vast transfer fee either frustrate or flop at their new club.
Declan Rice will become the most expensive English player in the Premier League after the completion of his £105million switch from West Ham to Arsenal – and the 17th man to move to a Premier League club for £70m or more.
And those signings have rarely hit the ground running.
The previous 16 to make such major moves are Enzo Fernandez, Jack Grealish, Romelu Lukaku (twice), Paul Pogba, Mykhailo Mudryk, Antony, Darwin Nunez, Harry Maguire, Virgil van Dijk, Jadon Sancho, Nicolas Pepe, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Wesley Fofana, Kai Havertz and Casemiro.