Mikel Arteta (right) can offer Declan Rice the opportunity to build a team around him. Photo: AFP/Ben Stansall
It's been quite a month for Declan Rice. A few weeks ago, he led his club to their first major trophy in 43 years, and now three of the Premier League's top teams are vying for his signature. In the coming decades, he will undoubtedly remember this as one of the defining periods of his life.
It should be exciting beyond measure, but also a little dizzying. The decision time is fast approaching and Rice appears to have effectively chosen Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United. Well, that's not exactly the case, as any potential buyer must first secure an agreement with West Ham United, but it's clear that Rice's personal preferences will make a huge difference.
The key question for Arsenal, who have been in the lead for several months, is whether they can offer a more attractive package than City and United. Not only in terms of finances, but also in terms of a sports project. How can they compete with Treble winners coached by the best coach in the world and the prospect of playing alongside the likes of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish?
This is a challenge to Mikel Arteta and Ed, Arsenal's sporting director. Edu oversees the club's recruiting and helps develop their long-term strategy, although he is not alone in the deal making process. It should be noted that Tim Lewis, Executive Vice Chairman, and Director of Football Operations Richard Garlick also play a key role in the negotiation and logistical process of the attempt to sign a player.
For these decision makers, Rice's offer is relatively simple: come to Arsenal as the new record holder and the team will be built around you. You will be guaranteed to start every week playing Champions League football and you will be a senior team member from the moment you walk in the doors.
Arsenal are a team that is also on an upward trajectory. Surround yourself with players of the same age who each have the potential to grow and see what can become possible as this group develops as a unit. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, William Saliba — imagine how far these players can go if they stay together for the next five years.
City could nullify Arsenal's offer
We know this is an attractive offer for Rice. For some time, Arsenal were convinced that the England international wanted to stay in London and join them. The problem was finding an agreement with West Ham (two bids have been turned down so far), not convincing Rice that Emirates Stadium would be the right choice.
But then the City appears, hovering over the situation like a behemoth blocking the sun. At the time of writing, the champions are preparing to apply to West Ham. There is no rivalry financially between them and Arsenal: As Telegraph Sport reported earlier this month, their treble has earned them nearly £300m in prize money. If City want to refuse Arsenal's offer, they can do so.
Every player in world football would be seduced by the idea of playing for Pep Guardiola, and a move to City is the best trophy guarantee Rice could ever hope to find. He will be surrounded by many of his England teammates at Etihad and one can only imagine how jealous he was of their post-treble celebration in recent weeks.
But can City offer the same level of seniority as Arsenal? Rice would have to compete with Rodri, De Bruyne and newcomer Mateo Kovacic for a place in the roster. It's no guarantee of playing time and the case of Rice's England team-mate Calvin Phillips is hardly reassuring.
United's presence in this race also needs to be considered, especially since they are also pushing for the signing of Mason Mount, Rice's best friend. The Telegraph Sport reported this week that United are considering rivalries with Arsenal and City by offering a player-plus-money deal that could include either Harry Maguire or Scott McTominay.
Few players have ever been in this situation, as all three of last season's top teams were looking to spend huge sums of money on them. Rice and his family are in a great position and he deserves to be there after years of impressive performances at West Ham.
But it's certainly not an easy position, and the 24-year-old will know that the next few days will determine the course of his entire career.
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