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5 midfielders Arsenal could sign in 2023
5. Declan Rice
If you have been following the transfer rumours, then Declan Rice is a name you’ve probably heard linked to Arsenal already.
While Rice has typically been used as more of a #6 for West Ham and England, I believe he has the skill to be able to challenge both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka’s spots in the starting XI. He’s contributed two goals and two assists in the Premier League so far this season and notched three goals in the top flight last term. He also ranks in the 91st percentile in pass completion, 84th percentile in progressive passes and 86th percentile in progressive carries compared to other midfielders. While his role long-term would likely be at the base of the Arsenal midfield, he has a similar physical presence to Xhaka and could succeed in his more advanced role as early as next season.
Signing Rice would likely require Arsenal to break their transfer record, but unlike a potential move for Bellingham, I don’t think Arteta and Gaspar would back away from this deal due to wages. Rice is currently on £60,000, and doubling or even tripling that wage should still allow Arsenal to keep a manageable payroll.