Arsenal have made calls to sign PL star who could be their next Rice

Arsenal started this season with one ambition: to finally win the Premier League.

There is now just under half the season left to play, and while a lot could go wrong, Mikel Arteta Both teams are on track to achieve their goal.

Additionally, the Gunners are also at the top of the table. Champions Leagueuntil the Fourth Round of FA Cup and in the semi-final of League Cup.

Although the North Londoners have made a collective effort to get to where they are, some players, like Declan Ricehave played a bigger role than others, and now, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be looking to sign someone who would be another version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target new Rice

When Arsenal spent a club record £105m on Rice in the summer of 2023, the expectations placed on him were huge.

Fortunately, two and a half years later, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fan or pundit who doesn’t think the Englishman more than lived up to his price tag.

Whether it’s breaking up attacks, restarting them for his team or being a leader without an armband, the midfield monster can seemingly do it all and has become one of Arteta’s most important players.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see that the club are now looking to sign someone who could be another Rice-like figure for them.

At least that’s what a recent report reveals transfer expert Fabrizio Romanowho claimed Arsenal were very interested in Marc Guehi.

In fact, according to the Italian journalist, Arteta “called” the Crystal Palace star about a possible transfer this summer, when he will be a free agent.

However, Liverpool remain as interested as ever and Manchester City continue to push for a move this month.

Romano said: “I can tell you that regarding Marc Guehi, the player’s real intention was always to leave this summer on a free transfer, with Liverpool really pushing and Arsenal calling because Arteta is a big fan. These two clubs are insisting. Bayern also have meetings for Guehi. Man City want to make a big offer and go strong for Guehi in the January window.”

Overall, this could be a tough deal for Arsenal to make, but given Guehi’s immense ability, it’s a deal they should be fighting for, especially as he could be their next Rice.

Why Guehi could be Arsenal’s next Rice

Okay, so the thing is, no, Rice and Guehi don’t play the same position, even though the former West Ham United captain did early in his career.

However, the fact that the Palace star could be another version of the former Hammers ace for Arteta and Co has little to do with where they play.

For example, one of the obvious similarities between the moves is that it would be another example of the Gunners selecting another London club’s best player.

Not only that, but it would be another era where Arteta would have had a big influence on the career of a current England star.

Yet the similarities go even deeper since, like Rice, the Eagles’ 6-foot titan is also their captain and has demonstrated time and time again that he is a great leader.

For example, although Eberechi Eze scored the goal, he was the defensive monster who led South London to FA Cup glory last year.

Finally, above all, the former jewel of Cobham is also, in the words of Palace correspondent Bobby Manzi, “a monster” of a player, and his underlying numbers prove it.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals, assists and goal-creating actions, top 5% for shot-creating actions, top 8% for key passes and more, all by 90.

In other words, in addition to his defensive qualities, visible at first glance, the 25-year-old is also someone who can help in offensive situations, like the Gunners’ number 41.

Ultimately, while it may be a challenge, Arsenal should go all out to sign Guehi this summer as he could make a Rice-like impact in Arteta’s side.

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