Arsenal's summer transfer pursuit of Declan Rice looks as though it's finally set to get underway as the opening of the window looms large. football.london understands that the England international is a top priority target for the Gunners in the coming weeks to help strengthen the squad.
The north London side are keen to avoid a bidding war though, leaving it up to the player to decide the move, as seen with decisions to back out of deals for Lisandro Martinez and Mykhailo Mudryk. With the Europa Conference League final now concluded, discussions over Rice's future are set to take place after the Hammers confirmed his exit this summer.
Arsenal are expected to make an offer in the coming weeks for the 24-year-old, with a deal expected to cost upwards of £90million. With such an expensive move predicted, there will be some confidence that Rice can fit exactly how Mikel Arteta wants to play, so with that said, here's a look at how he could play.
The 'Xhaka' role
One position that may suit Rice is the role that has been appointed to Granit Xhaka over the past season, which saw him record his best attacking return numbers in his career. With the Switzerland international set to leave this summer, the vacant role means that the potential incoming West Ham captain could fill in.
Rice has experience playing as a No.8 in many systems, with his ball-carrying ability being a particular area of strength alongside his off-the-ball prowess. One concern may be his attacking contributions, but much like Xhaka, that hasn't been tested in an advanced role and could suit him.
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Deeper midfielder
Arsenal's form has often peaked and troughed in relation to the form of the deeper midfielder in the system, who is responsible for a host of things. Thomas Partey's drop in form saw him switched out for Jorginho in the latter parts of the season, but in the long-term there has to be a plan for a younger and more mobile option.
Rice ticks those boxes and his ability to force opposition into areas before winning the ball back could offer the defensive shielding the backline requires. On the ball, as mentioned prior, his ball-carrying is a strength of his and being able to receive from his defenders and progressing forward will be key.
In a back three
This is a slightly rogue shout and may be one that Arteta would look to employ to dazzle opponents, but Rice could also start in the centre of a back three. The West Ham star broke through as a centre-back before moving further up the field, but his ability to defend would make him a valuable option at the back if required.
The 24-year-old is comfortable enough on the ball to come out with it too, offering plenty if the manager required a different system to win or see out a game - or even to fit in an extra attacking option in midfield.
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