Can Rice and Havertz help Arsenal challenge Man City next season?

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Arsenal have wasted no time in strengthening their squad after surrendering the Premier League title to Manchester City last season.

With Kai Havertz arriving from Chelsea in a deal worth approximately £65m, and Declan Rice on the verge of joining in a record-breaking £105m deal, it is clear that the Gunners are prepared to splash the cash this summer.

Mikel Arteta’s side led the Premier League title race for most of the previous campaign, occupying top spot between August and April.

However, a run of two wins in eight matches saw them fall by the wayside, allowing Man City to snatch the silverware.

Not only have City won each of the last three titles, but they have also won five of the previous six.

Arsenal were seen as the team to dethrone Pep Guardiola and his players last term, but the same old story played out.

So, can Decland Rice and Kai Havertz take Arsenal to the next level? Or will the Gunners need further reinforcements in order to mount a serious title challenge?

Let’s start by looking at the player that Arsenal have already signed, Kai Havertz. When Havertz joined Chelsea back in 2020, many believed that he would become one of the best attacking midfielders in world football.

However, the German failed to connect with the fans at Stamford Bridge.

Havertz registered 32 goals and 15 assists in 139 games for Chelsea, which is not a prolific record.

Last season, the 24-year-old scored seven goals in 35 Premier League outings and failed to find the back of the net in any of his final nine appearances.

As for Declan Rice, he has established himself one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League.

In addition to his defensive capabilities, Rice is also able to carry the ball forward and involved himself in attacks.

The 24-year-old has already made 245 appearances for West Ham United, chipping in with 15 goals and 13 assists. On top of that, Rice has picked up 43 England caps, scoring three times for his country.

It is also worth noting that Rice made the most interceptions (63) in the Premier League last season, which tells you everything you need to know about his awareness.

While there is no denying that Rice and Havertz are top players, it could be argued that Arsenal need to further strengthen their squad in order to catch Man City.