“Yes, I’m a huge, huge fan" - Emmanuel Petit backs Arsenal superstar to become the club's next captain

Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has zeroed in on Declan Rice as the club's future captain. Making his thoughts known on TalkSPORT, Petit showered Rice with praise, following Arsenal's nail-biting 2-1 victory over Sevilla on October 24.

Fresh from a draw at Chelsea, where his performance was vital, Rice elevated his form even further against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. He relentlessly penetrated the opposition's midfield, creating nightmares for the Spanish side every time they lost the ball. Rice often masterminded those turnovers, making eight recoveries and putting the ball into the final third six times.

Eyebrows were raised when Arsenal shelled out a staggering £105 million for Rice in the summer, but the English midfielder has swiftly dispelled any skepticism. He has managed an impressive portfolio of two goals in nine Premier League games and one assist in three UEFA Champions League games.

When asked about how much Rice had impressed him, Petit told TalkSPORT (via TBR Football):

“Yes, I’m a huge, huge fan of Declan Rice. I think since he’s stepped up into the team, he gave the impression that he was there for ages. He’s playing like a leader, his role in the team on and off the pitch is so important."

Petit even threw another name in for the captaincy armband: Bukayo Saka, a homegrown talent. Yet it's clear who sits at the top of Petit's list.

“For me, he [Rice] can be the next captain of the Gunners with [Bukayo] Saka as well because he’s from the academy. Rice has so much quality as a person but as a player as well that he’s for me, he’s number one actually into the team.”

Rice has captaincy experience as he captained West Ham United to the UEFA Europa Conference League victory last season.

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Ivan Toney on Arsenal's radar as Brentford slashes price

According to a report from The Sun, Brentford are said to be lowering the financial bar for striker Ivan Toney. Now priced at a more digestible £65 million, down from the eye-watering £80 million to £100 million, Toney is fast becoming an enticing target for the Gunners.

Presently serving a suspension for betting infractions, Toney has made a big mark in Brentford's attack. His absence has been sorely felt by the Bees, who anticipate keen interest in the striker come the next transfer window. With 124 games, 68 goals, and 21 assists under his belt, Toney has established himself as a prolific forward capable of delivering.

While Arsenal are yet to make a formal approach, the significantly pared-down asking price for Toney is believed to align more favorably with the Gunners' budget. Toney himself is thought to be enamored with the idea of making a switch to the Emirates after he is allowed to return to action in January.