Mikel Arteta has sold his vision to Declan Rice and it has convinced Kai Havertz.
That is why Rice has made the Emirates his preferred destination over Manchester City - but it is now down to Arsenal to seize the opportunity to make sure they get the deal over the line.
City’s interest has cast a major doubt over Arsenal’s plans because, to lose Rice at this stage, would be to disrupt everything Arteta has been building towards.