Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand names the Arsenal’s player who is definitely going to do ‘exceptionally well’ and challenge for “Best player award” under Mikel Arteta next season- Not Bukayo Saka, Not Jurrien Timber

Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal’s sensational star man can take his game ‘to another level’ in Arsenal under Mikel Arteta after Arsenal have significantly strengthened their squad ahead of the 2023/24 season

Mikel Arteta’s side challenged for the Premier League title for most of last season but a run of just nine points from a possible 24 in the run-in opened the door for Manchester City to reclaim their crown.

Arsenal have now brought in reinforcements and will challenge again next season, with Arteta already bringing in Westham star man Declan Rice and Chelsea’s Kai Havertz

Ferdinand is a massive fan of the England international and feels he will get even better if he with the step up to a bigger club, though he says Arsenal must add more better squad players to their ranks as well as landing marquee signings, not just one or two.

Asked about Rice’s move to north London, and whether he is the best midfielder in the Premier League, Ferdinand said on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show: ‘He’s not yet.

‘I think the biggest problem Arsenal have got, when you look at last season, it’s squad depth. The depth of the squad wasn’t there.

If Bukayo Saka comes out of the team, what’s coming in? If Gabriel Martinelli comes out, is there really a good enough replacement at that level? Trossard has done well, but I just think if Martin Odegaard comes out of the team, William Saliba comes out of the team defensively you capitulate. Partey started a game at right-back at some point last season!

‘These things here, you need a few squad fillers that can come in and impact your first XI, because your first XI has showed that they’re very good. But then I think you need a couple to come in and improve the starting XI.

‘Declan Rice does improve your starting XI, no doubt for me, But you need a few more additions such as a striker and a backup winger.

‘I think Declan Rice, as part of your culture driving, as having somebody that wants to improve, that can improve others, that gels squads together, he’s a real team player.

‘That’s not even talking about his ability as a footballer, I think he’s fantastic. And I think there’s levels to jump for him ability-wise.

‘He’s someone that wants to learn and is always striving to improve. And I think doing that at a club like Arsenal – whose aspirations are different to West Ham, no disrespect, they are – I think he’ll have a real opportunity to really improve himself as a player and go to another level.’