Since being named manager in 2019, Mikel Arteta has got an awful lot right at Arsenal.
He helped to turn a defensively disastrous team into the most secure in the Premier League, rooted out those who weren’t aligned with the culture he was trying to create, and, most importantly, transformed the team into genuine title contenders.
One of the ways he was able to do the latter was by bringing in the right players, and when it comes to his best signing, it’s hard to look past Declan Rice.
So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to a player who could be another Rice.
Arsenal transfer news
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other stars who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Martin Zubimendi and Rodrygo.
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The former has been heavily linked with a move to the club since Sami Mokbel claimed he was set to join in a report in January, and now, in the face of rumours suggesting he could move to Real Madrid, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that he is set to sign for the Gunners.
On the other hand, it feels like we are a long way off from finding out where Rodrygo will end up at the end of summer, although, with a price tag of around £84m, there is every chance he ends up moving to the Emirates.
That said, while the Brazilian would be an excellent attacking addition to the team, it would be hard to describe his potential move as being Rice-esque, which is not the same for Marc Guehi.
Yes, according to a recent report from James McNicholas of The Athletic, Arsenal are interested in the Crystal Palace star this summer.
In fact, the report claims that the England international is now ‘high on their list’ of defensive targets, and the fact he’s about to enter the final year of his deal at Selhurst Park only makes him a more appealing option.
A potential price for the 24-year-old is not mentioned in the report, but according to other stories from this month, the fact he’s nearing the end of his current contract means he could be available for around £50m, which could be good value for money, especially as his move would be somewhat reminiscent of Rice’s.
Why Guehi's move would be Rice-esque
So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Rice and Guehi play in very different positions and most certainly have very different playstyles, but we aren’t making the argument that the latter would be just like the former at Arsenal.
Instead, the potential transfer of the Crystal Palace star would mirror that of the former West Ham United captain, and there are a few reasons why.
Firstly, it would be another example of Arteta not just signing an England international but arguably one of the most essential players in the Three Lions squad.
For example, at the European Championships last summer, the former Chelsea gem started and played in every single game bar the quarter-finals due to a suspension and didn’t put a foot wrong throughout, notably now renowned as “England’s best centre-back” following his immense form.
Likewise, in the final international tournament before his move to the Emirates, the 2022 World Cup, the Gunners midfield monster played in and started every game right up until France knocked the team out.
The second similarity is that the North Londoners would once again be signing not just a star player from another London-based Premier League team but their captain.
Finally, as Rice had before his move, the “world-class” Eagles star, as dubbed by one Palace content creator, would be moving to the Premier League runners-up with an abundance of experience for someone his age.
Crystal Palace
155
8
4
Swansea
59
0
0
Chelsea
2
0
0
England
23
0
0
Total
239
8
4
For example, despite being only 24, the Abidjan-born “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik, has made 23 senior appearances for England, 155 for Palace, 59 for Swansea and two for the Blues.
Ultimately, while a new centre-back isn’t exactly a top priority at the moment, Arsenal would do well to sign Guehi this summer.
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