EXCLUSIVE: Declan Rice can become world class with one tactical tweak and Arsenal can dethrone Manchester City, claims Lauren… as he pinpoints how Mikel Arteta turned the Gunners into title challengers again

Arsenal have what it takes to break Manchester City’s stranglehold on the Premier League and Declan Rice can develop himself into a world-class midfielder if deployed further up the pitch, according to Gunners legend Lauren.

Mikel Arteta’s men led the title race for most of last season but ultimately failed to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 as City sent them packing.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Arsenal, that one broke the record for spending the most days at the top of the league in a top-flight season in England without winning the title.

If last season was a statement of intent, the Gunners underlined their ambitions in the summer by investing a combined £200m in Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.

More than half of that spending went to Rice, who swapped the London Stadium for the Emirates for a club record £105m.

Lauren has played alongside the likes of Patrick Vieira and Cesc Fabregas and is well versed when it comes to world-class midfielders and title-winning teams.

And so far he has been impressed with the England international.

“He is a player who has already played at the highest level for England and West Ham,” says Lauren on behalf of 888sportsays Mail Sport.

‘He is young, but he already has a lot of experience.

“His performances since the start of the season are no surprise, he is a top class player. I’m not surprised he’s performing so well.”

Rice opened his account for Arsenal as his team scored twice deep into stoppage time to beat Manchester United 3-1 before the international break.

The goal was a rarity for the 24-year-old, who had only found the net ten times in 204 Premier League appearances to date.

Graeme Souness wrote in his Mail Sport column last month that Rice cannot be considered a world-class player until he adds more goals to his game and creates more chances.

Lauren agrees, but with the caveat that a tactical adjustment may be necessary if Rice’s offensive production is to increase.

“He should play more of a box-to-box role to be closer to the attackers,” he explains.

‘He has a good shot from outside the box, he has the quality to pick out the final pass and he attacks space well in the final third.’

While Rice has made a flying start, Havertz is yet to click into gear following his move from Chelsea to London.

Arteta has remained loyal to him in the first month of the season, but the former Chelsea man has shown little to justify his £65 million price tag.

However, Lauren insists the German’s form is not yet a cause for concern.

“Havertz will take some time but is a top quality player and I have no doubt he will perform well,” he said.

‘He has proven that at Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea. Playing in the false nine role and Arsenal’s playing style suits players who can find space between the lines.

‘He is a top quality player, but he needs some time. I have no doubt he will make it happen.”

Arsenal went into the first break of the season with 10 points after four games, the same number as Tottenham, Liverpool and West Ham.

The fact that only City have a perfect record underlines the challenge ahead, but Lauren is pleased with what he has seen from his former club so far.

“They have shown everyone that they are capable of competing at the highest level,” he said, noting that Arsenal’s depth on the bench will be crucial this season, with the team competing on four fronts.

‘I believe Arsenal are in a position to challenge City and I believe this team is ready to win the Premier League. It won’t be easy.’

When asked who deserves the credit for turning Arsenal into title challengers, the answer is obvious.

Since Arteta took over in December 2019, the Gunners have finished eighth twice, then fifth and second last season, winning an FA Cup along the way.

It’s slow but steady progress.

“Arteta has changed both the mentality and ambition at Arsenal, not just within the squad but also within Arsenal as an institution, uniting the fans, the players and the club,” said Lauren.

‘You see it on the field in every game. It has been a long transformation that started since he arrived, but you can now see the results.”

However, the 46-year-old admits City remain the standard in the Premier League, largely thanks to Pep Guardiola.

“They are definitely the team to beat,” he explains.

‘They have incredible quality in the starting line-up and on the bench.

‘You have a manager like Pep Guardiola, who has won titles in every competition he has coached in. With all due respect to Jurgen Klopp and Arteta, he is one step ahead of everyone.’

Arsenal led City by eight points on April 1, before three consecutive draws (two of which came after squandering a two-goal lead) allowed Guardiola’s men back into the title race.

City seized the opportunity as all great teams do, beating Arsenal 4-1 at the Etihad in what was billed as a title decider and never looking back.

Lauren, who won five major trophies in six seasons at Arsenal, puts the collapse down to a lack of experience.

“It’s not easy to win trophies,” he says.

‘Last season Arsenal only had Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, who were used to winning trophies. You need more of these types of players.

“Lessons have been learned from last season.”

Lauren spoke on behalf 888sport. Head to 888sport for the latest football odds.