STAR'S SKILLS WILL TAKE ARSENAL TO NEXT LEVEL

AFTER missing out on the title to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta stressed it was crucial that Arsenal’s recruitment this summer took them to “the next level”.

- Simon Collings

By signing Declan Rice, the Gunners believe they will do just that, and their willingness to pay a club-record fee of £105million underlines their belief in the impact he will make.

He is young, ambitious, has strong leadership qualities and will add athleticism and dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield, which is something they lacked as they faded in the closing weeks of the season.

Arteta believes Rice can play in the holding role like he does for England or further forward as a No8 and box-to-box player, as he has often done for West Ham.

He is most likely to start in a deeper role as a No6 for Arsenal, with Arteta willing to sell Thomas Partey if a suitable offer arrives and they can sign another midfielder.

Kai Havertz, who last night completed his £65m move from Chelsea, is expected to replace outgoing Granit Xhaka as one of two No8s, with Martin Odegaard the other. It would make for an exciting midfield trio and one that could set Arsenal up for years to come.

Havertz, Odegaard and Rice are all just 24 and coming into their prime. They also all represent what Arteta looks for in players — they are tactically astute, technically sound and have an excellent work ethic.