Arsenal are now expected to rival Liverpool for the signature of an "elite" player, who Declan Rice is a big fan of.
Gunners lay down marker with victory against Nottingham Forest
The Gunners suffered an early setback in the Premier League title race at Anfield before the international break, with Liverpool emerging as 1-0 victors, but they got right back on track against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium.
A Martin Zubimendi brace either side of Viktor Gyokeres' third goal of the season ensured the north Londoners picked up all three points, sending Mikel Arteta's side back to the top of the Premier League table.
As expected, Arteta's side have looked particularly impressive from a defensive point of view up to this point, with Dominik Szoboszlai's arguably unstoppable free-kick the only goal they have conceded in the opening four games.
However, there has now been a suggestion that Arteta remains keen on strengthening his backline even further, with a report from The Boot Room revealing Arsenal are now expected to rival Liverpool for the signature of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Arne Slot's side are still the favourites to sign Guehi, despite missing out on a £35m deal during the summer transfer window, but there could now be stiff competition for the centre-back's signature, with a whole host of Europe's top clubs, including Chelsea, also keen.
Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi celebrates scoring their second goal
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey adds: "He is a fantastic person and everyone who meets him relays that fact – I was told by one high ranking Premier League executive that signing him is one of the ‘least risky’ transfers that anyone could do.
"Elite" Guehi would provide incredible depth for Arteta
Arteta is already blessed with a number of top-quality options at centre-back, with William Saliba and Gabriel forming a formidable partnership, which led to the Gunners boasting the best defensive record in the Premier League last season.
Having also signed Cristhian Mosquera in the summer transfer window, there are doubts over whether signing another defender is necessary, but the Crystal Palace star clearly has the ability to be a success at the Emirates Stadium.
Lauded as an "elite" centre-back by writer Eddie Gibbs, the 25-year-old is now an established England international, picking up 25 caps, with Statman Dave recently singing him out for praise for his performance in the 5-0 victory against Serbia.
The Englishman, who Rice is a big fan of, scored his first goal for the Three Lions in the thrashing, while he has also made a flying start to the season at club level, particularly impressing in a 3-0 victory against Aston Villa.
Guehi stats vs Villa Number completed
Goals 1
Duels won 5
Clearances 5
Tackles 3
That said, it could be very difficult for Guehi to displace Saliba or Gabriel in the starting XI, so a move to Anfield could make more sense, especially if Ibrahima Konate doesn't sign a new contract.