Arsenal could reportedly change their summer transfer plans after being told what Declan Rice’s best role now is.

The England international enjoyed one of his best games yet for the Gunners as Rice scored and assisted in the north London side’s 3-0 win against AFC Bournemouth, with Ian Wright hailing the midfielder as the ‘difference-maker’ for Arsenal.

Signed for £105m last summer, Mikel Arteta has seen his side transformed by the arrival of Rice, who has taken Arsenal to the next level and has formed one of the most effective midfields in the Premier League alongside club captain Martin Odegaard.

And as a result, Arsenal could change tact in a big way this summer

Arsenal could target a no. 6 and fully evolve Rice into a no. 8

As per Charles Watts, Arsenal could now shift their Summer Transfer Plans to signing a midfield no. 6 in order to keep Rice in the no. 8 position, a role the England international has flourished in with a defensive midfielder behind him.

Indeed, it’s no real surprise that Rice has enjoyed his best football this season with Thomas Partey and Jorginho in the starting XI, and Arsenal could now go all-out to sign a long-term no. 6 to complete the midfield.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height

Watts said: “The more I see him, the more I think ‘he’s a left-sided no. 8’, he can play as a no. 6 brilliantly, but I look at him and how he’s developed, I think he will turn into a no. 8, and that Arsenal will end up signing a no. 6, it feels wasted to have Declan there and not getting into the final-third.

“You can play him there if you want to, he brought versatility to the squad which is key for Mikel Arteta and to how he’s built this squad. But in the long-term, they should be targeting a no. 6, and then you can play Declan as a left-sided no. 8.”

Arsenal could have the perfect midfield next season

Pushing Rice into the no. 8 role and signing a true no. 6 to play week-in week-out could be a masterstroke of a decision from Arteta if they can find the right player for the position.

With Odegaard a creative genius and an undroppable player in the Arsenal XI, finding the right defensive-minded midfielder to compliment the Norwegian and Rice will be key for Arteta.

Yet if Arsenal can find the right man for the job, the Gunners would have a near-perfect midfield for next season, something that could help the north London side finally get one over on Manchester City in the title race.