It's no longer news that we're going hard to add Declan Rice to our squad and the British midfielder is set to command a massive fee. The questions whether he is worth it will continue to hit the headlines but does this signing make us title contenders?
The simple answer to that question is no. Declan Rice doesn't make us title contenders because we already are. The team fought valiantly against a ridiculously strong City side last season and after spending a large portion of the season at the summit, we lost crucial matches that ultimately cost us the title.
As frustrating as that season was, I believe it is the catalyst to the flurry of signings that are coming through the door in this early stages of the transfer window. We are acting fast to conclude business, so we can focus on the most important part, football.
There's no secret that Arsenal will be reeling from the pain of last season's collapse in our title hunt. This year, we will have to do one better than last season and it is for that purpose that Declan Rice was signed.
Unlike City who have an embarrassment of top level players that are capable of deputising for each other without any significant drop in quality, Arsenal didn't have that luxury. So, we had to depend on the same names throughout the season and this lack of quality depth cost us.
Adding Declan Rice to the squad plugs two gaps in the pitch since he can function both as a lone pivot at the base of midfield and as an 8 beside Odegard. This will give us multiple ways of shaping up in a game and also some quality depth that can enable us rotate the quad.
Rice is only part of the meal
The way I see it, Declan Rice is an exceptional baller that will add undoubted quality to our squad but he is only just a part of the larger equation. The imminent announcement of both kai Havert and Timber indicates where we're going with the squad and is an outright statement of intent.
In the past, Arsenal would not have added quality depth to the squad and in certain cases, we would even be shipping players out with replacements. This time, we have kept most of our top performers and are adding more quality to the lot.
The exit of Granit Xhaka will be a problem but considering how we shaped last season, Kai Havertz or Rice will easily fill the space. Havertz in particular will most likely be yet another utility player and much like Rice and Timber, will be able to fit into multiple roles for the squad.
There is so much to look forward to in the coming season and many like me just can't wait to get our season underway. The preseason starts in a couple of days and we will be able to get a feel of what the team will look like but until then, up the Arsenal.
