Declan Rice resurgence comes at key time amid Arsenal striker search
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As Arsenal’s search for a new forward this month goes on, Mikel Arteta will have been pleased by the manner of this win over Dinamo Zagreb. Kai Havertz scored to make it two goals in as many games, while he also took his tally for the season to 14 in 30 appearances.
If he carries on at his current rate, the German will have the best season of his career in front of goal. Arsenal, however, still need a new forward this month as injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left them short in attack. Benjamin Sesko, who was also on the scoresheet on Wednesday night after finding the net in RB Leipzig’s win over Sporting Lisbon, is a top target - but a deal this month looks hard to do.
RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose stressed on Wednesday that Sesko was not for sale during the January transfer window, with the sense from those within the game that he will be on the move in the summer instead. With a lack of attackers, the need for Arsenal to have goals from everywhere is paramount and that is why Arteta will have been delighted by Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard scoring in this 3-0 win over Dinamo.
Both players excelled as No8s in midfield during the second half of last season and were a big reason why Arsenal pushed Manchester City all the way in the title race. Rice finished the season with seven goals, his best ever tally, while Odegaard waded in with 11, reaching double figures for the second campaign running.
