Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted life will be a little more difficult for his team this term.
The Gunners are coming off an impressive season that saw them finish second in the Premier League.
Despite not winning the title, having led for much of the campaign, Arsenal fans are confident their side can take another step this term.
But Arteta admits that playing in the Champions League will make the situation tougher.
"It will be more difficult for sure, because the league is going to go to a different level again, which is already incredible. And obviously playing the Champions League, which we haven't played in many years at the club," he told ESPN.
"That's why we need a different squad from what we had last year, I think what we've done this summer is related to that, and more quality as well, for sure. [Havertz] is a player I have admired for a long time and we had the possibility of bringing him to the club.
"We had a few chats about how he was feeling about it, and I was convinced he was the player and type of personality that we want in the team and to take us forward. [Rice] brings leadership, an aura and he brings special qualities that we didn't have in our midfield.
"Obviously, he has good experience in the league, he's already done a lot at 24 years old, but he has something - I saw that for a long time with him - he has that personality, that way of thinking, the way he plays for his teammates and the way he's capable of controlling matches."