£65m player once dreamed of joining Arsenal, now he’s the man to help win them titles

Tue 13 February 2024 18:15, UK

When Arsenal signed Declan Rice in the summer, it was clear that Mikel Arteta’s project was about to take a big step forward.

Manchester City seemed determined to land Rice ahead of Arsenal, only for the England international to choose North London instead.

Not only was the move a real statement of Arsenal’s ambition, but it also showed Rice wasn’t adverse to taking the long route to success.

Arteta’s project clearly had potential at the time, but joining a Pep Guardiola side at least guarantees a trophy or two.

That being said, regardless of what happens in the remainder of this season, Arsenal look set for another summer of big spending.

The January malaise was surely intended to prepare the books for off-season ahead, and Arsenal need a few new profiles for Arteta’s project.

A goal scoring striker should be the priority.

Gabriel Jesus simply can’t stay fit right now and Eddie Nketiah clearly isn’t trusted to win important games.

That being said, the potential availability of midfielder Frenkie de Jong should be taking all of the focus right now.

Frenkie de Jong is the player to take Mikel Arteta’s project to the next level

According to in Spain, de Jong is becoming increasingly unsettled at Barcelona for a few different reasons.

The midfielder’s progress has stalled under Xavi Hernandez, and he’s not reaching his rich potential.

But given de Jong once mentioned that he of playing for Arsenal, as well as Barcelona, the club need to register their interest.

Perhaps a deal would cost well beyond the fee paid for Declan Rice last summer, but that could still represent value.

Now 26-years-old, de Jong still has the ability to be one of the world’s best.

And if the Dutchman was paired alongside Rice in Arteta’s Arsenal midfield, there would be no looking back for this project.

De Jong desperately needs to join a side that plays progressive football, that allows him freedom to dictate the rhythm and tempo.

And at the base of Arteta’s midfield, de Jong really would look like the player everyone imagined he would become.

That being said, Arsenal may also be well advised to keep an eye on the situation of one of the Dutchman’s former teammates.