When Arsenal eventually get around to confirming the signing of Declan Rice for a club-record £105million fee, it will almost certainly result in a number of senior players being affected.
Whilst capable of operating in central defence, having done so during his formative years at West Ham United, it's likely that Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has earmarked a defensive midfield role for the England international once all the formalities regarding the record deal are complete.
As a result, Rice will increase Arsenal's options in the middle of the park which already includes - going by the club's official website - the likes of captain Martin Odegaard, £65million summer signing Kai Havertz, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho.
In truth, as the latter pair are more defensive-minded it's likely that their game time will reduce next season as its safe to assume that Rice will be one of the first names on the Gunners' teamsheet, particularly for the important Premier League and Champions League fixtures considering his huge transfer fee.
Having said that, there are at least two other senior players at the Emirates Stadium that will need to consider their futures upon the 24-year-old's arrival and another who may end up being denied a promotion following Granit Xhaka's exit. Below are those who would be put on notice.
Thomas Partey
An obvious one simply because of the position. It's not so long ago that any suggestion of Thomas Partey not being an automatic starter for Arsenal when fit and available for selection would have prompted laughter among supporters given how important the Ghana international has previously been viewed.
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However, towards the end of last season, the over-reliance on Partey started to fade. After struggling against West Ham and Man City, he was dropped by Arteta for the win over Chelsea at the beginning of May and this felt significant as the Gunners were still in the Premier League title race at the time.
In addition to playing as a right-back for the final two games, the indication is that the 30-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter in his favoured position. Therefore, if the plan is to play Rice as the deepest-lying midfielder, perhaps alongside Odegaard and Havertz, then Partey may have to accept a reduced role next season or take advantage of interest from elsewhere.
Albert Sambi Lokonga
The writing has been on the wall for the Belgian for a while now and the arrival of Rice will ultimately seal his fate. To his credit, the midfielder is aware there will be too many cooks in the kitchen once the aforementioned £105million deal is completed and is open to a transfer.
"I don't know, I will try to go somewhere where I can play," Lokonga said in an interview that recently surfaced on YouTube as spotted by some eagle-eyed supporters on Reddit. "That's the most important thing for me. To try to play some games and to play game after game."
Recent reports have claimed that Burnley manager Vincent Kompany, who actually suggested the signing of Lokonga to Arteta a couple of summers ago having talked him up as the 'new Yaya Toure', is eyeing a reunion with the 23-year-old with the Clarets back in the Premier League.
Gabriel Jesus
A surprising one as Rice signing for Arsenal will nott have any impact on the Brazilian's place in Arteta's strongest line-up. But it could have an effect on the Spaniard's decision-making when it comes to naming a new vice-captain after Xhaka vacated the position by joining Bayer Leverkusen.
Naturally, Gabriel Jesus would make the step up considering he was part of the Gunners' three-man leadership group last season and is therefore next in line to wear the armband when Odegaard is unavailable.
Having said that, Rice will bring leadership qualities to Arsenal and that's despite only being 24 years of age. He became the Hammers' permanent captain following Mark Noble's retirement in May 2022 and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him in contention to don the armband for the Gunners fairly early into his tenure.
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