Arsenal may be more likely to sign £34m player after what happened vs Atletico Madrid

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Arsenal’s transfer plans may have taken a bit of a turn after their draw with Atletico Madrid.

The Gunners have had a fantastic season, but some flaws in the side have been exposed in recent weeks, it must be said.

Heading into the summer, Arsenal need solutions to those problems, and the game against Atletico showed that their transfer priority may be to sign a new number eight.

The key detail from that game was Declan Rice’s role.

With Mikel Arteta adjusting his midfield setup, Rice operated deeper as a number six and looked completely comfortable. He controlled the tempo, protected the defence, and handled Atletico’s pressure with authority. It was one of his most complete performances in that position.

Rice has often been used in a more advanced role this season, but this performance was another reminder that his best position may still be at the base of midfield. When he plays there, it naturally creates space ahead of him for a different type of player.

🤔 Is Declan Rice a number six or a number eight?

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Eduardo Camavinga could work brilliantly for Arsenal

This is where Eduardo Camavinga comes in.

Arsenal have been linked with the £34m Real Madrid midfielder, and his profile fits exactly what would be needed alongside a deeper-lying Rice. Camavinga brings energy, ball carrying, and the ability to move between both boxes. He is not a static player, which makes him ideal for a system that demands constant movement and intensity.

The Atletico game highlighted that gap.

With Rice sitting deeper, Martin Zubimendi wasn’t providing that sort of energy in the midfield, and the ball progression felt rather laboured on his end.

If Arteta sees Rice as his long-term number six, then the priority shifts to finding the right number eight to complement him. Camavinga fits that role better than most options available. He is young while still experienced at the top level, and capable of adapting to different tactical demands.

At the moment, it’s unclear whether Arteta does see Rice in the number six role in the long-term, but based on his performance against Atletico, that may be the best way for Mikel Arteta to evolve his midfield.