There are still two games left to go for Arsenal this season, but with their Premier League title hopes all but over, thoughts have quickly turned to the summer transfer window. The Gunners surprised everyone by pushing Manchester City close for most of the campaign, but now they are keen to go one better.
With the added task of Champions League football next season there is an understanding within those at the club that further recruitment will be necessary. "With the level that is required for the Premier League and to fight for the Champions League, the way we have to fight for the Champions League, there’s a lot to think about," admitted Mikel Arteta after the 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
Edu is already targeting a centre-back and forward to bolster Arsenal's depth for next season. Their primary ambition though is strengthening the centre of midfield.
READ MORE: Martin Odegaard set for talks over Arsenal contract as Gunners continue proactive approach
As Arsenal seek to do that, it's no secret that their number one target is Declan Rice. football.london understands that the Gunners have been putting in the groundwork to sign the England international since before January, and it's easy to see why.
With an ability to progress the ball from deep, superb passing range and impressive leadership, it's as if Rice were bred in a lab to play Arteta's style of football. In fact, the 24-year-old is such a perfect fit, that it has raised a few questions as to where he will fit in the Spaniard's system.
Arsenal have risen to levels that few thought possible while operating in a 4-3-3 formation. Rice can easily fit into two positions within this set up - either the deeper six role that has been primarily occupied by Thomas Partey, or the left-sided eight role that Granit Xhaka has been stupendous in this season.
If you want to use him as a six, Rice certainly has the defensive capabilities. His greatest strength is probably his reading of the game, and the stats back this up. He is up in the 95th percentile for interceptions per 90 minutes this season among midfielders in the Premier League (1.8 as per fbref ), and is in the 99th for ball recoveries per 90 with (9.37).
He also has the technical ability to play further up the pitch in this Arsenal system, however. Despite being a primarily defensive midfielder for West Ham. he is in the 89th percentile for passes into the final third. Crucially he also has the ball progression capabilities to thrive in this area of the pitch, and the athleticism to help the defence and join the attacks.
It's left many wondering exactly where Rice will fit in if he arrives this summer. The answer to that question may have already been answered by Arsenal's first piece of business in this summer window.
football.london understands that Bayer Leverkusen are in advanced talks to secure a £13million move for Xhaka. The Swiss international is set to depart on a high after a seven year career in north London, and it seems as though Rice is being viewed as his replacement.
The 24-year-old's versatility of course means that he could play in a more withdrawn role if needed. Emile Smith Rowe has been training in central midfield and could play alongside Martin Odegaard as an eight, while Fabio Vieira has operated in that role too. But primarily it seems that Rice will be joining Arsenal to play the box-to-box role that Xhaka has operated in this season, providing that the Gunners can convince West Ham to sell.
READ NEXT:
Saliba cover, next captain - Arsenal's best case scenario if Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo sign
Arsenal's five deals may reveal deadline for stunning Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo transfers
Edu to secure Stan Kroenke £113m transfer windfall as nine Arsenal players become available
Moises Caicedo breaks silence on tackle that injured Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli
Antonio Conte makes feelings on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal crystal clear after Brighton defeat
