LOVELY DOUBLEY

Sweet-talking Mik banks on sales patter to reel in duo

- JOHN CROSS

MIKEL ARTETA has sold his vision to Declan Rice and it has convinced Kai Havertz.

That is why Rice has made the Emirates his preferred destination over Manchester City – but it is now down to Arsenal to make sure they get the deal over the line.

City’s interest has cast doubt over Arsenal’s plans because to lose Rice at this stage would be to disrupt everything Arteta has been building towards.

Arteta wants to transform his midfield, with Rice and Havertz at the heart of his plans, to build on their progress of last season.

That hard sell is the reason Havertz and Rice have wanted to come. Arteta is as good a salesman as Only Fools and Horses trader Del Boy, and can persuade players they can chase down City in the long run.

The Gunners boss views Havertz as being able to fill the No.8 role in midfield, which is a completely different position from his time at Chelsea.