Declan Rice is a leader who does not need the captain's armband at Arsenal. He repeatedly sets the tone on the biggest stage.
By the time the current campaign ends, he could be a Premier League winner, a Champions League winner, and a strong Ballon d'Or candidate.
That's the level at which he operates, but it's also the level the Gunners must measure up to around him in the heart of their midfield.
Why Rice needs a new midfield partner at Arsenal
Taking the English crown is one thing, keeping it is another challenge entirely. Just ask Liverpool about the burden of sitting on the throne.
A moment of pride can quickly turn into extreme stress. The kind that only Manchester City have managed in recent times. Fortunately for Arsenal as they approach glory, however, Pep Guardiola has left the plans behind.
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At best, Man City did not sit down or leave the field. Guardiola rarely washes and repeats tactical setups during the season, and he never relies on the same squad every year.
Once the development is in place, the Citizens move in with malicious intent. Now, Arsenal must follow suit and find Rice a new midfield partner.
Despite impressing for Martin Zubimendi at the start of the season, the Spaniard failed to dominate England's possession when it mattered most.
It has allowed Myles Lewis-Skelly to regain his place of late and raised serious questions in North London that Enzo Fernandez can answer in the summer.
Arsenal are planning to sign the Chelsea star this summer
Throughout the bitter history between Arsenal and Chelsea, the list of players who have crossed the divide becomes endless as time goes on. It was Ashley Cole who stabbed the Gunners in the back.
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The Gunners have spent a lot of money in recent years.
Recently, it has been Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Jorginho who have betrayed Chelsea. A few more and Arsenal could have their own version of Strasbourg.
However, this summer could be Arsenal's best move yet. According to TEAMTalk, Arsenal are planning a move to sign Fernandez this summer, as doubts continue to arise over the midfielder's future in West London.
The Argentinian made his feelings clear during the recent international break, before being dropped by Liam Rosenior as a result, in what could be a pipe move, between rivals from Manchester City and Barcelona.
Chelsea reportedly have no intention of selling Fernandez, but failure to secure their next transfer window could cause transfer window chaos at Stamford Bridge.
If ever there was a time for Arsenal to make a move for the Chelsea star, it's now. Fernandez would be the perfect partner for Rice in the heart of their midfield, offering the qualities that Zubimendi is yet to offer.
The recent introduction of Lewis-Skelly has allowed Rice to go deeper and work in his best role. He was clearly outstanding because of that.
Next to Zubimendi, he hasn't got that license to stay deep. Fernandez – who cost the Blues around £108m – can provide that.
The Chelsea star is one of the few box-striking midfielders still standing at the top level and is a welcome throw-in player, ranking among the best in the division in his position, like Rice.
|
PL 25/26 |
Fernandez |
Rice |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,851 |
2,919 |
|
Goals |
8 |
4 |
|
It helps |
3 |
5 |
|
Opportunities are created |
64 |
61 |
|
Recovery |
127 |
170 |
Described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by Argentine journalist Roy Nemer, Fernandez is less one-dimensional than Zubimendi.
The former Real Sociedad star is a safe bet, but Arsenal don't always need him safe. If their attack is struggling to make open play, finding another runner from midfield, without sacrificing a defensive role, will give the Gunners a clear solution.
