£240,000-a-week Arsenal player would actually be willing to play in defence for Mikel Arteta

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Declan Rice would be willing to play in a new position at Arsenal if Mikel Arteta felt it was necessary.

That is according to the Evening Standard.

So, what was said about Declan Rice at Arsenal? Let’s take a look…

Declan Rice ready to play anywhere for Arsenal

Well – according to the Evening Standard – Arsenal view the England international as a No.6 at the base of midfield, and believe he can hold down that position for many years.

However, it is said that Rice feels happy to fill in anywhere for the Gunners, even in the centre of defence.

The £240,000-a-week man actually started his career in that position at West Ham.

Rice made 52 appearances as a central defender throughout his career – recording one assist – before eventually moving into midfield during his time at the London Stadium.

The Evening Standard also mention that Arsenal believe the 25-year-old can add more goals to his game, thanks to his remarkable athleticism.

Rice can effectively do everything down the middle of the pitch – which is presumably why Arsenal parted with a record £105m to sign him from West Ham in July.

The Arsenal No.41 man – who could have been playing for Chelsea had things turned out differently – has made 32 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals while also providing three assists.

Declan Rice is a real asset for Arsenal

It is rare to see a player as versatile as Rice – albeit one who can also maintain his level of quality across each position thanks to his many qualities.

The Londoner can use his physical prowess to be a force in defence, while those same traits – and his remarkable interception skills – also make him a real asset in the No.6 role.

Furthermore, Rice possesses fantastic dribbling skills, incredible stamina and is quicker than most give him credit for, so the No.8 role – which is more of a box to box task – also suits him perfectly

He may have been costly at £105m, although Arsenal undoubtedly obtained a fine footballer for that money, one who can do pretty much anything Arteta asks of him out on the pitch.