James Benge thinks Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could sign another ‘Declan Rice-type signing’ in the form of a striker.
The CBS journalist thinks that Arsenal bringing in another top-level striker would take the Premier League title hopefuls to a ‘whole other level’.
Declan Rice made a club-record transfer from West Ham United to the Emirates during the summer transfer window, with £105 million (Sky Sports) being put on the table for the 24-year-old.
But Arsenal expert Benge did warn that trying to bring in another big-money striker will only probably land you a Rasmus Hojlund, who joined Manchester United this summer from Atalanta after scoring nine Serie A goals.
The Old Trafford-based club have paid £72 million for the 20-year-old (Sky Sports), which probably shows you how much you have to pay for potential these days because the proven players are probably going for £100 million+.
Whether Arsenal make a big push during the January transfer window or in the summer, Benge was asked whether another Declan Rice-type signing could be brought in.
Another Declan Rice-type signing at Arsenal
“I mean probably and probably a striker,” said Benge. “I have another question about centre-forward options. I think there is this curious thing where I still think Arteta’s ideal centre-forward is like the best version of Gabriel Jesus, who plays 38 games a season.
“What makes this team better? Probably more goals. If the Havertz experiment does really stall out. Maybe we have to start thinking about a different left eight, different profile and different signing.
“A striker could just take it to a whole other level. Age and experience level of that striker because a Declan Rice-type fee for a striker might only get you Rasmus Hojlund with nine Serie A goals.”
Calling Ivan Toney
If it wasn’t for Ivan Toney’s recent ban, then he would have probably secured a transfer this summer, with the Brentford man set to return to action in mid-January.
Depending on fitness levels, it will be interesting to see if clubs push to sign the England international because he would be a perfect signing for Arsenal.
What also helps is that the player seems to be sending signals to the club by expressing his love for Arsenal during a recent interview in August.
This seems like a case of Arsenal just knocking for his signature and they might get to the front of the queue.
