Arsenal will endeavor to finalize their midfield this summer through priority transfers, and Declan Rice has been a significant asset.
Declan Rice has only been at Arsenal for one season, yet he has already established himself as one of the most successful acquisitions in recent history. The £105 million price tag is rarely discussed, which is a clear indication that the move has been successful. The frequency with which Nicolas Pepe’s fee is discussed in transfer discussions provides all the necessary context.
Nevertheless, it has established an exceptionally high standard for future transactions and a perception that Arsenal is now among the clubs capable of executing these three-figure million-pound contracts. However, football.london comprehends that a transfer for a player in the same price bracket this summer is improbable, unless a substantial exodus of players results in a substantial inflow of funds.
Nevertheless, the England international continues to serve as the central figure in the Arsenal midfield, in addition to Martin Odegaard. The position was occupied by three players last season: Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Jorginho. There is still a vacancy to be filled.
Rice would be inclined to advance if Partey and Jorginho were to participate. However, Havertz’s inclusion resulted in his regression to the sixth position, which many fans anticipated he would occupy for the duration of the season. However, Partey’s injury altered this expectation.
The impressive performance of Rice has provided Arteta and sporting director Edu with more flexibility in their decision-making process regarding the midfield acquisition during this summer window. Instead of prioritizing a box-to-box midfielder, they can now consider potential number sixes such as Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi, and Amadou Onana to a certain extent.
Nevertheless, they may also see individuals such as Guimaraes as an eight, with Rice performing the role of a six. Joao Neves and Youssouf Fofana have also been taken into account.
Finding the appropriate individual to advance the position remains a challenge. Investments cannot be erroneous when placed in an environment where a title race is anticipated season after season.
Despite the fact that Manchester City has the ability to spend over £40 million on Kalvin Phillips, which in hindsight appears to be a costly error, it has not had any effect on them. The difference is significant if Arsenal invests over £40 million in a player and makes a mistake.
At £34 million, Fabio Vieira appears to have made the most significant financial investment error under Arteta. Havertz had the potential to claim the title, but his transition to the forward line and his goals in critical games throughout the season have earned him the support of the majority.
The same can be said for any position this summer, not just midfield. Edu and the ownership are once again under pressure to ensure that the transfer strategy is successful in closing the consistently decreasing margin to Man City.
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