Arsenal Midfield Targets: Pursuit of a New Midfielder Could Be Fuelled By Declan Rice’s New-Found Threat

Arsenal midfield targets for next season could be driven by a vision for Declan Rice to take his game to another level.

Arsenal Midfield Targets

Declan Rice has been instrumental in Arsenal’s title drive this season; he was once again on the scoresheet and registered an assist at the weekend in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Mikel Arteta is aware that Rice wants to develop the creative side of his game and the England midfielder believes he can be one of the best box-to-box players in the game.

Sources that have worked with the player believe his set-piece and final-third ability have still not been fully exploited, and it is one of the key factors to look for as this Arsenal team continues to develop.

Rice has registered seven goals and 10 assists this season but those numbers are expected to grow next term if the 25-year-old is let off the leash and able to progress up the field more frequently.

Arteta’s influence is seen as a key factor in convincing top midfield target Martin Zubimendi to join the club from Real Sociedad. Zubimendi is understood to be in two minds about moving to the Premier League yet Arteta – who used to play for Real Sociedad and is from the region – is hoping he can have an influence on the decision.

Arsenal are extending Jorginho’s contract and are waiting on discussions over Thomas Partey over his situation beyond this season, but the Gunners will prioritise a new midfield signing along with a new striker.

Bruno Guimaraes is a player that is admired within the Gunners’ hierarchy but any active pursuit of the player will depend on whether Newcastle would budge over a £100million release clause, which seems unlikely.

Douglas Luiz has been mentioned as an option but sources believe he will stay with Aston Villa for next term. Everton’s Amadou Onana has been scouted for a long time but it is understood Arsenal have some reservations over him, particularly at his current £60million valuation.

Whoever comes into the side needs to work well as the foil for Rice, as the England man has been an ever-present this season and aims to take his game to another level next term.