Arsenal are calling for the signing of a PL star who could be the next option for Rice.

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

With less than half the season remaining, much can go wrong, but Mikel Arteta’s side are well on their way to achieving their goals.

On top of that, the Gunners are also top of the Champions League, reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup and the semi-finals of the League Cup.

It will take a concerted effort from the North Londoners to get this far, but some, such as Declan Rice, have played a more important role than others, and if reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be looking to sign another version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target new player Rice

When Arsenal paid a club-record £105 million for Rice in the summer of 2023, the expectations placed on him were immense.

Fortunately, two-and-a-half years on, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fan or pundit who thinks the Englishman has more than lived up to his price tag.

The midfield monster has seemingly been able to do it all, whether it’s breaking down an attack, sparking a team or being a leader without the armband on, making him one of Arteta’s most important players.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that the club is now looking to sign someone like Rice.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claimed that Arsenal are very interested in Marc Guehi.

In fact, according to the Italian journalist, Arteta is “on the phone” to the Crystal Palace star about a possible move in the summer when he becomes a free agent.

However, Liverpool remain interested and Manchester City are targeting a move this month.

Romano said: “With Marc Guech, I can say that the player’s real intention was always to leave on a free transfer in the summer. Liverpool made a real push, and Arsenal, who are big fans of Arteta, approached us. These two clubs are insistent. Bayern are also holding meetings to sign Guech. Manchester City have made an important offer and we want to do our best to sign Guech in the January period.”

All in all, this deal might be difficult for Arsenal to pull off, but given Guehi’s immense ability, it’s a deal they should fight for, especially since he could be the next Rice.

Why Guehi could be Arsenal’s next Rice

Well, then, the elephant in the room is that, no, Rice and Guehi do not play in the same position, even though the former West Ham United captain did so at the beginning of his career.

But 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 obvious similarity between these moves is that it would be another example of the Gunners acquiring the best players from the same London team.

Not only that, but it will be a new era in which Arteta has had a huge influence on the careers of England’s current stars.

But the similarities go beyond that, like Rice, the 6-foot giant of the Eagles is also a captain and has shown time and time again that he is a great leader.

For example, while Eberechi Eze may have scored the goals, it was the defensive monster that led South Londoners to FA Cup glory last year.

Last but not least, the former Cobham talent is also, in the words of Palace correspondent Bobby Munsey, a “monster” player, and his underlying numbers prove it.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% for expected goals and assists without penalties and in the top 8% for goal-created actions, top 5% for shot-created actions, and top 8% for key passes among center backs in Europe’s top five leagues, all with 90 points.

In other words, the 25-year-old has obvious defensive qualities on the eye test, but he is also a player who can contribute in attacking situations, much like the Gunners’ number 41.

Ultimately, Arsenal should do everything in their power to sign Guehi in the summer, although it may be difficult. That’s because he could have a Rice-like impact on Arteta’s team.