Emmanuel Petit has backed Arsenal to complete a midfield overhaul in the summer and sign Declan Rice, alongside one of Brighton duo Moises Caicedo or Alexis Mac Allister.
Midfield looks set to be a priority position in the upcoming transfer window with West Ham United star Rice reportedly Mikel Arteta's top target. He may not be the only incoming, however, with Arsenal among a host of top clubs linked with a move for Argentina World Cup hero Mac Allister, who could seal a Brighton exit in the summer.
His Seagulls midfield partner Caicedo also made his desire to leave clear last month as Arsenal saw two big money offers turned down for the Ecuador international. The Gunners instead completed a £12 million deal for Chelsea's Jorginho to provide cover and competition for first choice duo Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
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All three have been impressive performers so far this season but at 31, 29 and 30 respectively, it is a position which could do with some fresh legs. Speaking to Premier League Odds, Petit believes either one of the Brighton duo would 'fit next to Rice really well', adding he is a 'big fan' of all three players.
He said: "I’m a big fan of Declan Rice. It is time for him to leave West Ham and play at a higher level to reach his potential. He needs to play in important competitions every single season if he wants to improve and move on to the next stage.
"I think that he is struggling at West Ham and he does not have a good environment to adapt and improve. I’m also still a big fan of Mac Allister and Caicedo from Brighton, since I first saw them play. I know Arsenal won’t try and buy them all, but they would also fit next to Rice really well.
"It also wouldn’t be much of a big move, geographically, for Rice as he is located in London with West Ham, so the move won’t hurt too much. But with all due respect to West Ham, it is time for Rice to go.
"It reminds me of Lampard when he first left West Ham and went to Chelsea and look what he achieved for himself. He became one of the best midfielders in the world at Chelsea. Rice should follow his example and leave given Arsenal are ready to buy him."
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