3 players who could replace Granit Xhaka at Arsenal

By Adam Keys | May 16, 2023

TOPSHOT - Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka and Arsenal's Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard (R) celebrates their team's second goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on May 7, 2023. (Photo by Lindsey Parnaby / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images) /

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3. Declan Rice

Declan Rice is undoubtedly Arsenal’s top target this summer, but many had him earmarked for the #6 role. However, the club’s pursuit of Moises Caicedo might suggest they view Rice as a potential #8.

Rice feels very much like a Xhaka replacement in terms of character, fitness, professionalism and leadership, and like Xhaka has spent the majority of his career playing at the base of midfield.

🚨 Arsenal have cleared Mikel Arteta to break the club’s spending record this summer in a splurge that may EXCEED £200m. Arteta wants to sign BOTH midfielders Declan Rice & Moises Caicedo, who could cost a combined £170m. [@garyjacob] #afc https://t.co/vOswL0arVJ
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) May 16, 2023

But, what Rice gives you is supreme running power and control, which are qualities that Arteta could quickly mould into a more attacking option, as he has shown that he can score goals when he advances up the pitch.

Having a player like this as an eight would allow Arsenal to become better at winning the ball high up the pitch and further pin teams back into their own third. However, a player like Rice coming in as an eight hinges on a Caicedo profile arriving as well.

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