A key moment in Arsenal’s defensive rebuild
Declan Rice is in no rush to leave the Emirates. According to talkSPORT, Arsenal’s England midfielder would be willing to sign a new long-term deal that would keep him with the Gunners until 2031.
Nothing has been put to paper yet, but the direction of travel is obvious: both sides are moving the same way. It would be another big tick in one of the most successful pieces of business in London in recent years.
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The gamble that has paid off
Signed in the summer of 2023 from West Ham for around 105 million pounds, a British record fee at the time for a transfer between English clubs, Rice has become a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s midfield. His all-round game, from breaking up play to driving forward, has made him one of the dressing room leaders.
This possible new deal for Rice is not happening in isolation at the Emirates. It comes just days after news of a fresh agreement for Arteta himself, along with a pay rise after he delivered Arsenal their first league title in years.
A core group taking shape around the Arteta project
By tying down its two main figures, captain on the pitch and manager in the dugout, Arsenal would be sending a clear message to its Premier League title rivals. It would also build an unusual level of stability at this level, at a time when several of England’s biggest clubs are dealing with unrest either on the touchline or behind the scenes.
No timeline for a signing has emerged. But at the Emirates, confidence is growing.
This sits against the backdrop of a lively London market in recent weeks, with the Garnacho saga at Aston Villa and boardroom changes at several direct rivals to the Gunners. All of which only strengthens the image of calm Arsenal are trying to project around their core, three years after spending heavily on the England international.
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