“perfect partner for Declan Rice” Arsenal urged to sign ‘next N’Golo Kante’ to give Declan Rice perfect partner in the midfield – William Gallas

Arsenal should consider signing a player similar to N’Golo Kante to pair up with Declan Rice in the midfield.

Former player William Gallas believes that while Rice has been impressive, he needs a defensive midfielder to support him and allow him to showcase his attacking abilities.

Gallas emphasized the importance of finding the right player to complement Rice’s skills in the engine room.

Declan Rice has been a standout addition for Arsenal following his transfer from West Ham for £105million last year. While many Arsenal supporters are calling for Mikel Arteta to secure a top striker in the upcoming transfer window, former player William Gallas believes that the midfield is the area that requires attention.

Gallas, who had a controversial move from Chelsea to Arsenal and spent four years at the club, emphasized the importance of finding a player similar to ‘N’Golo Kante’ to complement Rice.

Praising Rice’s performance this season as ‘amazing’, Gallas highlighted the need for a defensive midfielder to allow Rice to showcase his attacking abilities. Gallas stated, “Arsenal must seek a player who can operate in front of the center backs to enable Rice to play freely.”

“Perhaps Arsenal could consider playing with a midfield duo, positioning Odegaard in an advanced role. While Rice is capable of playing as a holding midfielder, his style of play suggests that he prefers to contribute in the attacking phase due to his energy and physical attributes.”

” In my opinion, Arsenal should aim to find a player similar to N’Golo Kante. The partnership between Pogba and Kante worked effectively in a central midfield pairing. Pogba often ventured forward while Kante provided defensive stability, and vice versa. By pairing Rice with the right player, Arsenal can replicate this dynamic. ”

The 25-year-old Rice has been a consistent presence in Arteta’s team this season, featuring in 48 matches and scoring six goals. With the return of Thomas Partey alongside him in midfield, who had been sidelined for a significant portion of the campaign due to injury, Rice may have more freedom to push forward in the upcoming 2024/25 season.

However, it is worth noting that Partey, who is 30 years old, is approaching the end of his contract and could potentially leave on a free transfer in 2025. This situation presents Arsenal with a decision to make regarding whether to sell him this summer, considering his recent fitness concerns.

Arsenal has been rumored to be eyeing a potential replacement for Partey in Feyenoord’s rising star Quinten Timber. The talented player, who is the twin brother of Jurrien, has been performing exceptionally well for the Dutch club in the current season.

Jurrien’s twin brother, who joined the north London club last year but suffered a major knee injury on the first day of the season, has been performing exceptionally well for the Dutch club during the 2023/24 campaign.

Having already played for the senior national team of Holland, the 22-year-old would be a valuable long-term addition for Arteta. However, the situation surrounding his club manager Arne Slot could complicate matters.

Slot has reached an agreement to join Liverpool once Jurgen Klopp departs this summer. It is anticipated that he will bring along key players, and Timber is rumored to be among those potentially heading to Anfield.