Arsenal have long regarded Declan Rice as their priority midfield target this summer, and for good reason.
The West Ham skipper looks to have ended his tenure in east London on the highest of highs after leading the Irons to Europa Conference League glory in Prague. A new dawn awaits the all-encompassing midfielder and Arsenal were seen as the favourites to sign the established England international.
The updates surrounding Rice's future all pointed in a positive direction for Gooners despite Arsenal having two bids rejected. It was seen as a matter of time before a deal was struck, but Ilkay Gundogan's impending departure to Barcelona has changed the dynamic of the race.
Man City are now well and truly involved in the Rice sweepstakes as they prepare a bid. Arsenal supporters, some of whom had spent their time cropping swanky Instagram edits of Rice in red and white, have already resigned themselves to Rice donning sky blue in 2023/24 and beyond.
But don't fear, Gooners! There's plenty more fish in the sea, as they say. Here are four alternatives to the West Ham skipper.
1. Joao Palhinha
Arsenal's midfield reshuffle is expected to see Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey depart and Rice was seen as an option for both the #6 and left-sided #8 roles in Mikel Arteta's system.
Potential replacements therefore vary in profile, although versatility and the capacity to perform both roles would be ideal. Arsenal could return for Moises Caicedo if City sign Rice, while Romeo Lavia is a midfield talent they'd like to bring in alongside Rice or whomever - he's not an alternative.
West Ham are targeting Fulham's Palhinha as a potential Rice replacement and the Gunners might fancy making a move following his excellent debut season in the Premier League.
The Portugal international has issues on the disciplinary front but he's an immense ball-winner and reader of the game, all while being very efficient in possession. He'd be a great option for the #6 role, and there's no way Arsenal would have to pay anywhere close to £90m.
2. Kalvin Phillips
After starring for Leeds and England, Phillips earned a move to Man City last summer, but his debut season saw him play second fiddle behind Rodri.
He barely featured during the Citizens' treble triumph, notching a meagre 593 minutes in all competitions, but the holding midfielder has said he wants to remain at the Etihad and fight for his place.
However, a move for Rice, even in the wake of Gundogan's exit, casts further doubt over Phillips' future. Usurping Rodri in the depth chart has proven impossible so far, and Pep Guardiola may fancy Rice as the Spaniard's backup with Mateo Kovacic potentially used further forward - where Rice will predominantly play.
Several Premier League clubs are interested in Phillips this summer and Arsenal could join the race should they need to seek out Plan B's. Like Palhinha, he'd be a fine replacement for Partey,
3. Khéphren Thuram
Liverpool are seemingly all over this deal, but there might be time for the Gunners to swoop with the Reds' first bid not set to arrive until after the Under-21 Euros.
Thuram has garnered plenty of plaudits for his performances at Nice, with Liverpool regarding him as the next addition in midfield after signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton.
The young Frenchman is a versatile customer who stands out from a physical perspective. He's 6'4 and mightily tough to dispossess, while his ability to win back possession stands out as a key attribute. Crucially, he has the capacity to operate as both a #6 and an #8 as he's comfortable receiving ahead of the ball and deeper in the build-up phase.
Arsenal wouldn't have to break the bank to sign Thuram either. Liverpool's first bid is expected to be £40m.
4. Amadou Onana
It wasn't the easiest debut Premier League season for Onana, who was part of a dire Everton team, but the Belgian stood out as one of the Toffees' shining lights.
If Arsenal are to usurp Man City next season, they must become more physical and Onana is somewhat of an athletic phenomenon. The towering midfielder has strength and power in abundance and Arteta caught a glimpse of Onana's brutishness when Everton beat the Gunners 1-0 at Goodison Park during the second half of the season.
The Belgian is a genuine box-to-box player whose aerial ability is a threat in the final third. Arsenal have tenuously been linked with a move and those rumours could ramp up in the coming days and weeks.
While not the most subtle of performers, Onana could work well as a midfield enforcer on the left-hand side of Arsenal's midfield three.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Midfielders Arsenal should target instead of Declan Rice.
