Declan Rice is the leader who doesn't need the captain's armband at Arsenal. He sets the tone time and time again on the biggest stage.
Declan-Rice-Arsenal-Leverkusen
By the time the current campaign comes to an end, he could be a Premier League winner, Champions League winner, and strong Ballon d'Or candidate.
That's the level he's operating at, but that's also therefore the level that the Gunners must match next to him at the heart of their midfield.
Why Rice needs new midfield partner at Arsenal
Taking the English crown is one thing, maintaining it is another challenge entirely. Just ask Liverpool about the burden of sitting on the throne.
A proud moment can quickly turn into overbearing pressure. The kind that only Manchester City have handled in recent times. Luckily for Arsenal as they approach glory, however, Pep Guardiola has left the blueprints behind.
william-saliba-arsenal Related
Arsenal preparing £35m bid for 'one of the most talented CBs in Europe' if Saliba leaves
The Gunners want to sign a new centre-back.
At their best, Man City simply never settled on or off the pitch. Guardiola has rarely rinsed and repeated tactical setups by season, nor has he relied on the same squad every year.
When upgrades have been available, the Citizens have moved with ruthless intent. Now, Arsenal must follow suit and find a new midfield partner for Rice.
As impressive as Martin Zubimendi was at the start of the season, the Spaniard has failed to handle the intensity of English football at the most important time.
It's allowed Myles Lewis-Skelly to regain his place as of late and raised serious questions in North London that Enzo Fernandez could answer in the summer.
Arsenal lining up move to sign Chelsea star this summer
For all the bitter history between Arsenal and Chelsea, the list of players to have crossed the divide is becoming endless as of late. It was once Ashley Cole who dug the knife into the Gunners' back.
Arsenal record signings Related
Arsenal's most expensive signings of all time
The Gunners have spent generously in recent years.
More recently, it has been Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Jorginho who have betrayed Chelsea. A few more and Arsenal may well have their own version of Strasbourg.
This summer could be Arsenal's best move yet, however. According to TEAMTalk, Arsenal are lining up a move to sign Fernandez this summer, as doubt continues to emerge over the midfielder's future in West London.
Enzo-Fernandez-Marc-Cucurella
The Argentine international made his feelings clear in the most recent international break, before he was dropped by Liam Rosenior as a result, with an exit perhaps in the pipeline, amid rival interest from both Manchester City and Barcelona.
Chelsea reportedly have no intention of selling Fernandez, but failure to get their next managerial appointment right could spark transfer window chaos at Stamford Bridge.
If there was any time for Arsenal to make their move for a Chelsea star, it is now. Fernandez would be the perfect partner for Rice at the heart of their midfield, offering traits that Zubimendi is yet to provide.
Lewis-Skelly's recent introduction has allowed Rice to drop deeper and operate in his best role. He has been a clear standout as a result.
Chelsea-Enzo-Fernandez-24-25-stats-timeless
Next to Zubimendi, he hasn't quite got that same license to sit deep. Fernandez - who cost the Blues around £108m - would provide that.
The Chelsea star is one of few box-crashing midfielders still standing at the top level and is a welcome throwback, ranking among the best in the division in his position, just like Rice.
PL 25/26 Fernandez Rice
Minutes 2,851 2,919
Goals 8 4
Assists 3 5
Chances created 64 61
Recoveries 127 170
Described as "one of the best central midfielders in the world" by Argentina reporter Roy Nemer, Fernandez is far less one-dimensional than Zubimendi.
The former Real Sociedad star is a safe option, but Arsenal don't always need safe. When their attack does struggle to create from open-play, having that extra runner from midfield, without sacrificing defensive work, would hand the Gunners a clear solution.