Arsenal signed Jorginho from Chelsea in January to offer cowl for Thomas Partey, however Mikel Arteta nonetheless needs one other defensive midfielder if experiences are to be believed. The Gunners gave up on signing Jude Bellingham because of monetary constraints, however Mike McGrath moved on telegraph He says Arsenal are nonetheless thinking about Declan Rice.

The 24-year-old has made 232 appearances in all competitions for West Ham United, scoring 12 objectives with 13 assists, however his time in west London might be coming to an finish. Rice has publicly acknowledged his want to play within the Champions League and is out of his contract in simply over 12 months, so United might need to get money early whereas he nonetheless has worth.

Does Arsenal want Rice if Barty stays?

However whereas McGrath claims Arsenal need Rice, would not Arteta need to drop Partey to slot in? The England worldwide nearly definitely would not transfer to Arsenal if he wasn’t assured a beginning place, given the variety of different golf equipment mentioned to have an interest, so time will inform the place he finally ends up.

Arsenal needed to pay 75 million pounds sterling To signal Rice as effectively, so they do not penalize such exorbitant spending on a participant who is not first selection. Barty is a daily with two and a half years left on his deal, so it is arduous to see him depart.

However Mohamed Elneny is one other story. The 30-year-old has solely began one league sport this season, amassing 103 minutes of Premier League soccer, so he might be a defensive midfielder who makes room. His contract expires in 2024 and Arsenal would not need to lose him for nothing subsequent 12 months.

Rice can be an necessary improve on Elneny. He has contributed 4 objectives from 29 league video games this season and ranks fourth within the league for interceptions per sport (1.6). The 24-year-old will rank second in Arsenal’s squad for tackles per sport (2.2) too, so he is extraordinarily expert at turning the ball round. And with 88.5% cross completion, Rice will convey some cool in possession.

Arteta would love a participant of his caliber if Elney have been moved, however would Arsenal actually pay as much as £75m to exchange the third defensive midfielder? Partey and Jorginho have confirmed themselves adequate to problem for the title this season, so it may be greatest to bolster a weak place at Arsenal.