Will another 'Declan Rice' signing this summer close gap between Arsenal and Manchester City?

Arsenal signed midfielder Declan Rice last summer in a huge move, and former Premier League star Kevin Nolan thinks that Mikel Arteta needs another big signing to close the gap on Manchester City.

Declan Rice was the crown jewel of Arsenal's summer transfer business last season, and his impact on the club as it hunted its first league title since the 2003/04 season was profound.

But despite Rice's superb first season in north London, it still wasn't enough to usurp Pep Guardiola's team. Now, as the Gunners look to get their summer business done early, former Premier League midfielder Kevin Nolan thinks that Arsenal need another big signing like Rice was, to further close the gap.

“Isak at Newcastle is certainly another one,” Nolan said via BBC Radio 5 Live Sport. “Them two (Isak and Toney) have been named quite regularly with Arsenal and them sort of being interested. Mikel Arteta has done a fantastic job. I am sure the next one is the important one. They got Dec (Rice) last year, they need another one this year and then I think they could get close to Man City.”

Despite Arsenal's need to lure a top striker to north London, the club last season still managed to score 91 league goals, just five less than City, so it might not be the be-all and end-all to get a new frontman.

Midfield also looms as another area in need of strengthening with Thomas Partey thought to be on the way out, and Mohamed Elneny already out the door.

But if Arsenal were to sign a striker, then who?

Isak has Premier League experience but would the Gunners pay in excess of £100m? Possibly.

Or could the club go down the youthful route? Say someone like Benjamin Sesko? Who is just 20 years old and would cost significantly less than Isak. So too, would Ajax's Brian Brobby (22).

Either way, the Gunners appear to be readying for a big summer as they look to finally overtake the City juggernaut...and a "Declan Rice" type signing could be just the move that gets Arsenal its first league title in over 20 years.

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