Crossword Genius

The one place that couldn’t be better (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ideal

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'the one place that couldn't be better' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'the one place' is the wordplay.
'the one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'place' becomes 'deal' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'i'+'deal'='IDEAL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ideal that I've seen before include "Very eager (to see)" , "Embodying perfection" , "Cutting/stabbing weapons" , "Exemplar" , "Most suitable" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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