Declan Rice is Arsenal secret weapon for transfer Tottenham want

Declan Rice looks to be the secret weapon that Arsenal needs to beat Tottenham in a transfer battle.

More than one Premier League club have shown an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Larsson. The German side are currently third in the Bundesliga and Larsson is drawing attention from other clubs.

Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool are all reported to be interested in the 20-year-old Swedish midfielder. Sky Sports Germany journalist Kerry Hau has noted that the lack of a release clause will make a transfer from either club a complicated matter.

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What looks to be giving Arsenal a slight boost is the fact that Larsson has admitted that Declan Rice is an inspiration for him. The Gunners and Liverpool had been interested in the midfielder since the start of this year, with Spurs now joining the party.

"Hugo Larsson is one of Eintracht Frankfurt's shooting stars and is currently one of the most exciting midfielders in the Bundesliga," said Hau.

"The 20-year-old Swede has already aroused the interest of several top clubs. According to our information, the Premier League is currently looking at him.

"Some top-class teams, right behind Liverpool, Arsenal and also Tottenham, we hear, have Larsson in their sights, but also one or two Bundesliga competitors.

"Nevertheless, the Frankfurt bosses around Mark Dröschel can sit back and relax, because Larsson feelas at home on the Main and this is why he recently extended his contract early until 2029 and, very importantly, from Frankfurt's point of view, without an exit clause."

The Swede has bagged three goals and one assist in 14 games this season. His inspiration, Rice, has only bagged one assist, but it has been his constant work rate and aura on the field that have made him such an important player for the Gunners.

Arsenal paid £105m for him from his beloved West Ham, where he was captain. As much as that money has been paid for his skills on the pitch, his influence on a transfer like this could be priceless.