Declan Rice has urged Arsenal fans not to judge him on his £105million price tag.

The former West Ham captain became the most expensive English footballer in history when he moved from the London Stadium to the Emirates.

Rice, 24, made his first start for the Gunners in their 2-0 pre-season defeat to Manchester United last Saturday and struggled as the lone No6.

But the England international is not letting the new-found pressure get to him as he aims to continue his progression under Mikel Arteta's guidance.

He told ESPN: "At the end, judge me on the price tag then. Don't judge me after two or three weeks.

"That's a price tag that is now attached to me. I just try to play football and enjoy myself.

"I don't actually think about it. It is crazy to think 'I've been sold for £100m' but I haven't thought about it once.

"Five years ago, I'd be dreaming about where I am now. I don't try to put any added pressure on me.

"Me being myself is what's got me here. That isn't going to change now I'm at Arsenal. I'm still going to do things that I've done that have got me to Arsenal."

Rice has reportedly signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, who finished five points behind Premier League champions Manchester City last term.

Ahead of a season where Arteta's side will be fighting for both domestic and Champions League glory, Rice concedes it will take time for him to deliver on his nine-figure fee.

He added: "There is going to be a lot of noise around me, around the transfer, around the price.

"I've come to Arsenal because I want to be a success and I want this club to be a success.

"I'm going to do things that Mikel wants me to do. I think it is important that we are constantly open to learning and wanting to improve."