He'd make Rice unstoppable: Arsenal preparing bid for "world-class" star

Mikel Arteta is set for a crucial summer as Arsenal manager in the coming months, needing to make all the right decisions in the market if he is to go one better in the Premier League.

He’s led the Gunners to back-to-back second-place finishes in England’s top-flight, looking likely to end the campaign in the same position once again with Liverpool needing a single point for the title.

If they are to challenge Arne Slot’s men for such a triumph in 2025/26, additions are needed in various areas of the pitch to hand the Spaniard the squad depth he needs.

Undoubtedly, a new striker is already high on the agenda given the injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz – offering the added firepower the side have craved in recent months.

However, numerous other stars have emerged on their shortlist as the summer edges ever closer, some of which could be set for a move to North London if recent reports are to be believed.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new midfielders this summer

Over the last few days, huge noise has emerged over a potential deal to land Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after previously wanting the Spaniard in January.

Reports over the last week or so have seen new sporting director Andrea Berta be extremely confident that the 26-year-old will be their first signing this summer.

The defensive midfielder would be a superb addition to the first-team potentially being joined by another LaLiga star at the Emirates ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Gunners are eyeing three Real Madrid stars to strengthen the squad during the upcoming window, including French star Eduardo Camavinga.

The report states that Arteta’s side are willing to make an offer to test Madrid’s resolve over a potential switch for the 22-year-old, who’s made 35 appearances this campaign.

The Arsenal target who would make Rice unstoppable

Declan Rice has cemented himself as a hero at Arsenal in the last few weeks, with his goal contributions against Real Madrid helping Arteta’s side reach the semi-final stage.

The £105m signing found the back of the net with two free-kicks in the first leg at the Emirates – with his efforts handing the Gunners a 3-0 lead going into the second leg at the Bernabeu.

He also played a key role in the second leg win, claiming the Man of the Match award in both meetings – highlighting his importance to the side in their attempts of securing European glory.

However, since his move in 2023, it’s unclear whether he’s better suited at the base of the side or as an eight and operating in a box-to-box role in North London.

Rice would be able to build on his recent success should Camavinga move to England this summer, having the tools to operate as the deepest of the three midfielders – subsequently allowing the Englishman to star further forward.

The “world-class” French star, as labelled by one analyst, has managed to win 2.2 tackles per 90 at a success rate of 62% in LaLiga to date – having the ball-winning capabilities to thrive in Arteta’s system.

He’s also won a staggering 8.9 duels per 90, 1.8 of which have been aerially, offering a real all-round presence without the ball to help bolster the midfield department.

However, in possession, the 22-year-old has been just as impressive, completing 89% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 1.2 successful dribbles, showcasing his impressive nature at both ends of the pitch.

Whilst it’s unclear how much the Spanish giants would demand to part ways with the young star, there’s no denying that any move for Camavinga would massively improve the options at the manager’s disposal.

He could certainly make the deep-lying role his very own, freeing up Rice to allow him to have a similar impact as he did in both of the games against Madrid on a more consistent basis.

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