Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has ‘Kevin De Bruyne ploy’ up his sleeve as Rice nears

Reaction to Declan Rice signing for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta knows how big the season ahead is for Arsenal, and the club are doing all they can this summer to make the 2023-24 campaign a special one. The Gunners have already signed Kai Havertz, and are imminently announcing the arrivals of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

Arsenal snapped up the signing of Havertz from London rivals Chelsea in a £65m deal, with West Ham midfielder Rice joining in a £105m move and Timber set to come in at £38m. This will take the North London club’s spree to over £200m and there’s reports they could push on in the transfer market.

Real Madrid and France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a sensational move to the Emirates, but Arsenal would need to raise funds quickly if they were to stand any chance of getting another midfielder over the line.

However, there’s one player already at Arsenal who will feel like a ‘new signing’ to fans. And it’s fan favourite, yet forgotten man, Emile Smith Rowe. The young England star struggled with injury and form last year and found it immensely tough to break into the first XI with the Gunners surprising everyone in the Premier League.

But he has shone for England’s Under 21s at the Euros, playing a crucial role in their path to the final, and Arteta and co will be desperate for him to push on heading into next season. He would provide something hugely different to Arsenal’s attacking prowess, with his fantastic ability to carry the ball far through midfield into the box and making his late runs into the penalty area – just like Frank Lampard.

The 22-year-old has scored countless goals thanks to his clever runs into the box and if he’s fit and firing, could score plenty of crucial goals for Arsenal next season in their quest for the Premier League title.

And his trait of driving the ball forward has been likened to a certain Man City great, earning the nickname ‘Croydon De Bruyne’. Jamie Carragher has previously referenced this, saying on Sky Sports: “I love this lad, I always want him to do well. And to watch him with full flow with the ball at his feet. He’s the best player in the Premier League running with the ball.

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“He’s a special talent, he can pop up in different positions. If you’re a young attacking player, you have to have the ability to play in all of the front four positions now. And I think he can play all four and that’s a real bonus from him.”

And what an addition it would be for Arteta as the Gunners boss knows he needs plenty of quality players in every position to see off Man City following their treble efforts.

It’s a massive season for Smith Rowe, and he knows he needs to make his mark as soon as possible if he wants to have a big future with his boyhood club.

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