Gary Neville says Arsenal have made a signing that will allow Declan Rice to score so many more goals

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Arsenal will be relying on another big season from their 2024-25 player of the year Declan Rice.

Rice had an outstanding campaign for Mikel Arteta’s side and really took on responsibility as the player that drove the team forward in tough situations.

His memorable Champions League displays against Real Madrid will live long in the memory of Arsenal fans and he will be needed once again this upcoming campaign.

Rice scored at Old Trafford last season and will be hoping to replicate that feat in the Premier League opener. Gary Neville thinks the Gunners have signed a player to allow him to do that more often.

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Gary Neville thinks Martin Zubimendi will help Declan Rice score more goals

Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘Stick to Football’ podcast, Neville has revealed that he believes Martin Zubimendi will have a huge influence on Rice going forward this season at the Gunners.

Arsenal fans were impressed with Rice and Zubimendi during the pre-season victory over Athletic Bilbao and the way they have already formed a good understanding of each other’s game.

The pundit thinks that Zubimendi’s deeper positioning will allow Rice to venture forward like the back end of last season and get into more goal scoring positions.

Neville stated: “Wrighty, no Arsenal player scored 10 goals last season in the Premier League. And I think Zubimendi coming in will release Rice, which means he could score 12, 13. He could easily score 12.

“He has to play higher up the pitch and Mikel Arteta knows that. You’ll see it with Zubimendi when he comes in and takes the ball off the back four.

“You’ll see Rice move forward into position where he needs to be.”

Zubimendi has been impressed by Rice since joining the club this summer and it will be a partnership that supporters will be excited to see develop this campaign.

Declan Rice steadily improving his goal record

Rice has been gradually improving his goal threat throughout his career as he has progressed into more of a number eight, box-to-box midfielder rather than a defensive number six.

Arteta has already told Rice his position this season will be in that more advanced role and he will now be looking to once again produce his best season in front of goal.

The England international will no doubt be targeting ten goals and assists this campaign to keep his upward trajectory going in terms of goal contributions.

It will be important that Arsenal share the goal scoring burden once again this season, although they do now have a certain Swede that will be expected to carry most of the heavy lifting in that department…