As near as rings can be (6)
I believe the answer is:
arenas
'rings can be' is the definition.
'arenas' can be an answer for 'rings' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'can be' bit.
'as near' is the wordplay.
'as near' can be anagrammed to 'ARENAS'.
But, I'm not clear how this is indicated.
'as' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arenas that I've seen before include "Areas for events, sporting perhaps" , "rings" , "Areas of endeavours" , "Spaces for sports events" , "Sites of gladiatorial combat" .)