3 reasons why Declan Rice would be the ultimate summer signing for Arsenal

Hello, Arsenal fan.

Still seething after the whole Mykhaylo Mudryk saga? Worried that the club might not sign the extra forward option they need to sustain their title tilt?

Well, don’t fear, the Gunners have unearthed the perfect remedy!

Victory in the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon rendered Mudryk irrelevant for a short while before a big bomba was dropped on Monday regarding the club’s future transfer plans.

West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is reportedly Arsenal’s top target this summer, with the player’s contract situation in east London meaning he should be available at a discounted price. The Hammers have accepted their skipper will depart at the end of the season, but Chelsea and Manchester United are also believed to be in the running.

3 reasons why Declan Rice would be the ultimate summer signing for Arsenal

Nevertheless, Arsenal’s strong position in the Premier League gives them hope of landing Rice this summer and here are three reasons why the England international would be the ultimate signing for Mikel Arteta’s project.

1. He’s an incredible footballer

Is there a starting XI in Europe that Declan Rice wouldn’t get into? Manchester City? Perhaps. Real Madrid? Maybe. Paris Saint-Germain? Possibly.

The already-matured midfielder is a remarkable footballer who has borderline put West Ham on his back during their most successful spell of the Premier League era. He’s primarily functioned in a double pivot at the London Stadium, and while there are a few minor flaws, there’s no doubt that he has the potential to morph into a dominant single-pivot midfielder.

Rice is blessed with eight lungs and is impossible to slow down when he embarks on a driving run from midfield. His ability to progress play is an underrated aspect of his near-complete game because his work without the ball is so brilliant.

The Englishman sniffs out danger like prime Luke Kuechly and is as robust as Bobby Wagner in the tackle. In possession, Rice is technically proficient and efficient when passing. He can occasionally struggle in the face of a well-drilled press, but Arsenal’s stellar build-up structure would help alleviate that issue should he join the Gunners this summer.

The 24-year-old, who started every single one of England’s games at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, has continued to ascend the list of current midfield greats and he should be considered among the very best in his position right now.

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