“Welcome to Emirates…”: After what happened in London yesterday, Declan Rice now sends one-word message to £80m striker Arsenal really want to sign this month

Following yesterday’s football incident, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has now sent a message to a player the club is reportedly looking to sign.

Rice provided the first assist in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Crystal Palace yesterday when he headed a cross into the box where Gabriel Magalhaes hit the post.

As always, the midfielder was impeccable in the middle and showed why he is one of Mikel Arteta’s most reliable players.

Although he has often been tested as an eighth midfielder this season, Rice seems to be at his most effective when playing as a pivot.

Of course, he could be even more successful if he had a prolific goal scorer in front of him.

And while Arteta’s team certainly had no problem scoring yesterday, they face bigger tests in the coming weeks and months.

Ivan Toney should be the one that Arsenal really want to sign, whether it be this month or in the summer.

After his return to the pitch for Brentford yesterday, when he scored, Arsenal’s Rice sent a message to Toney.

Declan Rice sent a message of support to Arsenal’s Ivan Toney following his return to action

Toney recently posted a heartfelt message on Instagram after uploading a collection of photos from his team’s win over Nottingham Forest.

The striker wrote: “This message says the striker was in the role of a player at that moment: ‘I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.

“It has been difficult to be away for so long, but to step onto the pitch yesterday, score and win was worth the wait.

“I also want to thank the fans who stood by me all the way!

“Losing my uncle at this time was also difficult, but I would like to dedicate my goal to him, I hope he is proud. Let’s keep working and building together.”

Of course, England teammate Declan Rice was quick to respond with his support.

Rice sent Tone a one-word message, saying: “Toney was delighted to meet “Yesssir”, a player he would definitely like to play alongside at Arsenal”.

Incidentally, David Raya also sent a message of support to his former teammate after his return.

It is clear that Toney would have two friends at Arsenal if he ever moved.

And while a move seems unlikely this month, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if Arsenal made a bid for the £80 million player this summer.