They might have dropped points last time out, but Arsenal are flying this season.
They sit four points clear atop the Premier League table and second in the Champions League, with four wins and four clean sheets in as many games.
One of the stars of the Gunners' impressive campaign so far has been Declan Rice, who has been as crucial going forward as he has been in keeping those clean sheets.
Declan-Rice-Arsenal-Burnley
Therefore, fans should be delighted about reports linking them with another top-quality international who'd be a Rice-type signing.
Arsenal target Rice-Type signing
The transfer window is still over a month away, but Arsenal are starting to be linked with some exciting players again.
For example, stories are once again touting Real Madrid's Rodrygo for a move to the Emirates following a disappointing start to the season.
A cheaper, lesser-known, but nonetheless exciting wide option the Gunners have been linked with is Lyon's Malick Fofana, who has been catching the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana
However, while either attacker would be an exciting addition to the team, neither could be described as particularly Rice-esque, unlike Elliot Anderson.
Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in the Nottingham Forest star.
In fact, the report has revealed that North Londoners are set to enter the bidding war for the England international, who has a price tag of between £100m and £120m.
It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Anderson's immense ability, it's one worth pursuing, especially as it would be a Rice-type signing.
Why Elliot Anderson would be a Rice repeat for Arsenal
Now, there are obviously some differences between Rice and Anderson, from their playstyles to career paths, but were the latter to join Arsenal, there would be many parallels with the former's move as well.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson reacts
For example, it would be another example of the Gunners going out and spending north of £100m on a top-quality central midfielder from a non 'big six' Premier League team.
Moreover, like the former West Ham United captain was at the time of his move, the Forest ace is now an established and vitally important player for England.
In fact, ahead of his side's win over Serbia, Thomas Tuchel described the 23-year-old as a "key player" for the Three Lions and "one of the best midfielders in the Premier League."
The fact that he is such an incredible central midfielder is another obvious trait he shares with the Gunners' number 41, as is his versatility.
Elliot Anderson for England
For example, since moving to the City Ground, the former Newcastle United gem has made 25 appearances in central midfield, 20 in defensive midfield, five in left midfield and three in attacking midfield.
In other words, like the former Hammers star, the "world-class" ace, as dubbed by one commentator, could play wherever Arteta wanted him to in the middle of the park, and as a result, form relationships with a host of Arsenal players.
Finally, on top of also taking corners, the Whitley Bay-born "powerhouse," as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has some incredible underlying numbers to his name, proving that the comparisons to Rice are fully justified.
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 3% for tackles in the defensive third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Anderson's Scout Report
Statistics
Ball Recoveries
Dribbles Challenged
SCA (Defensive Action)
Tackles (Def 3rd)
Carries into Penalty Area
Fouls Drawn
Outswinging Corner Kicks
Successful Take-Ons
Penalty Kicks Made
GCA (Defensive Action)
Tackles
SCA (Take-On)
Corner Kicks
SCA (Fouls Drawn)
Tackles Won
Dribblers Tackled
Crosses
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)
Penalty Kicks Won
All Stats via FBref
Ultimately, while it would cost a king's ransom, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Anderson, as he's an excellent player and could have a Rice-type impact on the team.