Arsenal are set to hold talks with a £240k-a-week Arsenal player over changing his position ahead of the new season, according to a recent report.
Most of Arsenal’s first team will be away on international duty at the Euros or the Copa America – which starts next week.
So pre-season will be a little later this year, with many expected to join up with the group deep into July ahead of the new season.
That said, upon his return, one Arsenal player is set to hold discussions with Arteta over a potential change of position.
Declan Rice set for position change talks
According to GiveMeSport, Declan Rice is set to hold talks with Arsenal over his position to clarify transfer business.
“I think Arsenal are determining what they want to do in midfield. First, on an internal decision on Declan Rice,” Ben Jacobs told the outlet.
“Because even though Rice is versatile, and that’s a bonus, on paper, at least, they want to define him. If they define him as a six, then they’ll move for an eight, and if they define him as an eight, then they’ll move for a six.
“So, before they’ve clarified Rice’s position, only on paper because it is obviously beneficial that he can be versatile, they won’t really know what kind of target they’re looking for.”
Declan Rice suits more advanced role
Indeed, Rice, who reportedly earns £240k-a-week, is a very versatile midfielder and can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or as a box-to-box number eight.
Though, if Arteta is looking for a set position, Rice should be marked down as a number eight as you wouldn’t want to lose a big part of his game – surging forward and contributing in the final third.
So, perhaps The Gunners should dip into the market for an out-and-out six.