Arsenal told why to complete deal for 'next Paul Pogba' better than Bellingham

Arsenal transfer news as the Gunners' midfielder search intensifies with Declan Rice alternatives drawn up

Arsenal's prime focus may solely be on their Premier League title race with Manchester City but work behind the scenes is advancing ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners lead the way at the top of the table with eight games remaining - with Man City having a game in hand - by four points. Despite their superb form in the Premier League, the north Londoners have struggled beyond their best starting XI with early exits in both domestic cups and the Europa League.

"Do you know what is the most important thing when you go to a new club? The first two weeks," Van der Vaart told Ziggo Sport. "You have to show every picture, every practice game that you are a justified purchase.

"It would actually be good for Gravenberch to rent him out to Ajax again. You have to play football. Can you remember a player who sat on the bench at Bayern in 1990s? You earn a lot of money... Nice and nice, but no, you have to play football.

“What I think is the big difference is that Bellingham is one step down at a club and always playing. I think Gravenberch is better than him. In everything. Especially in physical terms.”