“I didn’t expect it to be honest" - Gabriel astonished by Arsenal star's impact this season 

Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes has been left stunned by the impact Declan Rice has made on the team this season.

The Gunners shelled out £105 million to sign Rice from West Ham United in the summer. Rice was already one of the top midfielders in the league. However, he has taken his game to another level since moving to north London.

Gabriel has also been left impressed with the way Rice has played this season. He said (via The Standard):

"I didn't expect it to be honest. I had watched Declan before and knew he was a top player. He's been having a big impact on the team here and really helping us. So, we are happy to have him."

Gabriel added:

"He has so much quality and can play in two or three different positions. So, of course, we are thrilled to have him in the team."

Since his summer move, Rice has so far made 50 appearances across competitions, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists. Rice has shown his ability to play both as a number 6 and as a number 8. He has been crucial to Arsenal making a title charge this season.

Gabriel says Arsenal still believe in their title bid

Arsenal are currently second in the league, two points behind Manchester City. Unless City drop points in the final league game of the season, the Gunners will lose out to Pep Guardiola's side for the second season in a row.

Gabriel, though, thinks that there's still hope for the north Londoners to win the league. He said (via The Standard):

"There is still belief. We are ready for the last game. We've prepared really well this week and we're ready to go to the last game and win and see what happens. In football, anything can happen."

Mikel Arteta's team play Everton at home in their final game. City play West Ham at the Etihad.