Former Arsenal defender David O’Leary has now claimed that the club’s progress this season has all been down to one player.

As always seems to be the case right now, Mikel Arteta is preparing for an incredibly important game against Chelsea tonight.

Arsenal welcome their London rivals to the Emirates potentially without Cole Palmer in their side owing to illness, which could be a significant factor.

But regardless of what side Maurcio Pochettino deploys, Arsenal will be predominantly focused on their own performance.

Mikel Arteta perhaps has the opportunity to deploy Thomas Partey in a starting role tonight.

A lot of fans have been pining for the Ghanaian to be fit to play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard as Arsenal’s strongest midfield trio.

And it seems as if that could finally come to fruition tonight, unless Jorginho is preferred.

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All that being said, former Arsenal stalwart David O’Leary has just been celebrating the consistency of one player this season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the pundit said Declan Rice has been ‘absolutely superb’ in the middle.

David O’Leary says Declan Rice has been the main reason Arsenal have made progress

The former Arsenal man said that Rice had been worth every penny that the club paid, a player who has been so consistent.

He explained: “Immense progress. That’s what has been happening. And I think the main person for that progress is Declan Rice. He has been absolutely superb in midfield.

“He has been a great addition, cost a lot of money but has proved well worthy of the fee that was paid.

“He has been very, very consistent and played at a very high level all through the season. He has been very important.”

Would signing Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes get the best out of Declan Rice?

Judging by recent reports, Arsenal will be attempting to repeat the success they had with a deal for Rice this summer.

The club have now been linked with an expensive move for Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, who could be a brilliant addition.

The Brazilian can excel in a number of positions in midfield, and could dovetail with Declan Rice in both the number six and eight roles.

Rice has arguably been at his best when playing alongside Jorginho this season, and Bruno would be an upgrade on the experienced Italian.

Of course, any move will probably depend on Partey’s future as well, which currently seems undecided.