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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2. Thomas Partey succession plan

Thomas Partey’s availability was a major issue for Arsenal during his first two seasons at the cub, but he’s missed just three Premier League games this campaign and the Gunners are top of the tree as a result.

Partey is arguably the most important component of Arteta’s side given the function he performs at the base of midfield and the drop-off in quality when Mohamed Elneny or Sambi Lokonga are asked to fulfil the role in his absence.

However, he is 29 and his injury issues since he joined the club would suggest the midfielder might not enjoy a lengthy career at the highest level like some of his contemporaries.

Arsenal need a succession plan, and Rice would be the perfect long-term solution given his skill set, Premier League experience, discounted value, and leadership skills. The England international could lead the Gunners’ midfield for the next decade.

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3. Chelsea are desperate to sign him, too

The hijackers have admittedly been on Rice’s tail for much longer than we have. Chelsea’s interest in the West Ham midfielder dates back to Frank Lampard’s reign.

Rice, who was released by Chelsea when he was 14, will undoubtedly be tempted by any proposal from the Blues this summer. They’re desperate to bolster their midfield ranks and Todd Boehly certainly has the finances to facilitate a move – even if he has to overpay.

Teaming up with best friend Mason Mount is a prospect Rice might find tough to turn down, but the midfielder has spoken of his desire in the past to play Champions League football. Right now, the Blues are ten points adrift of Manchester United in fourth and are unlikely to even come close to winning their third Champions League.

Arsenal, on the other hand, are primed to play in Europe’s premier competition next season given their strong position in the league table. Should the Gunners avoid a staggering collapse and finish in the top four, they’ll boast a huge advantage over their London rivals in the Rice race.

Wouldn’t it be great to prise the midfielder away from West Ham right in front of Boehly’s despairing face?