Arsenal icon Paul Merson has identified Declan Rice as the most crucial figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad as the Gunners continue their charge for the Premier League title this season.
Merson stressed that Arsenal cannot afford to lose the England midfielder at any point in the campaign, insisting that Rice’s influence has grown with every game since he arrived at the Emirates. He highlighted the 26-year-old’s commanding display in Arsenal’s mid-week Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, praising the midfielder for dominating proceedings.
“For how big the squad is and how good it is, they cannot afford to lose Declan Rice. The man gets better and better and better,” Merson told reporters as quoted by Metro UK.
“He was absolutely outstanding and he ran Bayern into the ground.
“He is Arsenal’s most important player – one million per cent. But Martin Zubimendi deserves a mention, too. He was phenomenal.”
Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023, has established himself as one of the club’s standout performers, delivering consistently exceptional displays as the Gunners pursue both domestic and European success.
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