Arteta should drop Rice to the bench and start the Arsenal player who’s considered to be “on par with Pedri.”

This season has unfolded almost exactly as Arsenal fans dreamed of during the summer. Mikel Arteta’s men remain unbeaten in the Champions League, keeping clean sheets in all three matches, and currently lead the Premier League by seven points over defending champions Liverpool.

 

Still, before focusing on their main campaigns, the Gunners must turn attention to their League Cup fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night. Although domestic cups haven’t been their strong point recently, this competition offers Arteta the chance to rotate his squad — and one change should involve resting Declan Rice for another international star.

 

While Brighton shouldn’t be underestimated, this clash carries less weight than league action, giving Arteta room to experiment. Kepa Arrizabalaga could return in goal, while defenders William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães should be given a breather, replaced by Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie. Similarly, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber deserve a rest, allowing Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ben White to step in.

 

In midfield, Martin Zubimendi can make way for Christian Nørgaard, while Eberechi Eze — fresh from scoring at the weekend — might keep his spot. To protect Bukayo Saka, who was reportedly ill recently, Arteta could start Ethan Nwaneri on the right.

 

Up front, injuries complicate rotation options. With Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Leandro Trossard will likely remain on the wing, meaning Viktor Gyökeres may need to continue leading the line.

 

However, one more key player should be given a rest: Declan Rice. Having already played over 900 minutes this season and recently picking up a minor knock, the midfielder deserves a break. His role in both open play and set pieces is vital, but this is an ideal moment to preserve his fitness.

 

The logical replacement is Mikel Merino. Although slightly below Rice’s level, the Spanish international brings elite qualities — excelling in aerial duels, goal contributions, and creating chances. His all-round skillset makes him the perfect fit to step in as Arsenal seek balance and energy in their midfield against Brighton.