The Gunners could finally help Declan Rice overtake Rodri in one signing…
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All Arsenal have done in recent months in terms of transfers and tactical changes has been to usurp Manchester City and the Premier League title. That’s why January is no different.
Who could Arsenal sign in January? With big signings like Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, the pressure was of course on the two expected stars. While the jury is still out on whether their club-record signing has easily come to life in north London, he has proved vital to their unbeaten league start as a calming but devastating presence in the engine room.
The England international is slowly developing into one of the best players in the division and Mikel Arteta could support that by helping him reach new heights.
Although it may seem strange on the surface, reports have noted the Gunners’ interest in Pep Guardiola’s sacked Kalvin Phillips, who has formed a formidable partnership with the former West Ham United captain on several occasions for the Three Lions.
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With his options limited, the 27-year-old is desperate for a chance to revive his once promising career, perhaps Edu could give him one last chance to prove his worth at the highest level. His presence may even push Rice past Rodri… Could Declan Rice top Rodri? It was always probably the most important comparison for these two title contenders, as Martin Odegaard often found himself facing Kevin De Bruyne and how the same happened with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden.
Guardiola’s midfield compatriot proved key to the Citizens extending their monopoly over English football. He shone as a metronomic presence in the engine room, able to dictate entire games from deep.
Although it took him a year to get used to it, he shone as the ever-present ace in their treble success last season. In the Premier League alone, he proved his dominance via Sofascore, recording eight goals and a 91 percent pass accuracy, 0.9 assists, 1.9 tackles and 5.1 tackles. Compare that to Rice’s start of a new term, and it’s clear where the comparisons come from. The 24-year-old is also completing an impressive 92 percent pass accuracy and while his key passes drop to 0.6 per game, he is instead recording 2.3 tackles and 4.4 tackles per game.
The two are not far from one and Phillips could be the perfect addition to help his compatriot reach new heights, providing a platform for more creativity as he returns to his best.
After all, the former Leeds United man spoke of his enjoyment of playing alongside him: “There’s a lot of talk about me and Declan Rice fighting for a place, but when we play together I think we play really well. It’s an honour. play with him.”
Manchester City’s Rodri celebrates his second goal with Bernardo Silva and Erling Braut Haaland.
Former England manager Fabio Capello was then quick to praise Phillips’ offer, stating: “Phillips is not like Pirlo and never will be. He is a much faster and more aggressive player, with good quality, but he is not Andrea’s heir.”
Although it has been a long time since the £150,000-a-week ace featured regularly, most recently in 2020/21. , when he maintained 1.2 assists and 2.6 tackles per game, perhaps a sign of Arteta’s faith. Putting him next to an old friend could help him regain those levels and Rice will become the most important center fielder in the league.