Real Madrid Interested in Declan Rice, but Arsenal Set His Price at €150 Million

Real Madrid’s ongoing search for midfield reinforcements has led them to target Declan Rice, a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad. According to multiple sources, the Spanish giants are keen to secure the services of the 26-year-old England international. However, Arsenal has made it clear that they will not part with Rice unless they receive a staggering €150 million for his transfer — a fee that reflects both his tactical importance to the team and his status as a symbol of the club’s new generation.

This revelation comes amidst growing interest from several top clubs across Europe, with Real Madrid at the forefront of the chase. The Spanish club sees Rice as an essential part of their long-term plans to reinforce their midfield, particularly as Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos approach the twilight of their careers. Despite this, Arsenal has firmly set their price at €150 million, which is intended to deter any potential suitors, including Real Madrid.

Arsenal’s Firm Stance on Rice’s Value

Sources close to the matter have revealed that Arsenal values Rice as an “irreplaceable gem” and a pivotal player in their tactical setup. His versatility and leadership on the pitch have made him a cornerstone of Arteta’s system. As one of the standout performers in the Premier League, Rice has helped Arsenal maintain a formidable defensive record, conceding only three goals in 10 matches. Arsenal’s valuation reflects the club’s belief that Rice is not just a footballer but a player who represents the future of the club.

“Rice is not just a footballer; he is the heart and soul of our midfield,” an Arsenal source shared. “We are not going to entertain offers unless they meet our valuation.”

Declan Rice’s Impact at Arsenal

Since joining Arsenal, Rice has consistently delivered top-tier performances, becoming an integral part of the team’s success. With two goals and four assists in 16 matches, Rice has made a significant contribution both defensively and offensively. His ability to break up opposition attacks, win duels, and transition the ball smoothly from defense to attack has made him a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards recently lauded Rice, saying, “He has taken his game to new heights. Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world right now. He is the perfect model of a modern midfielder.”

Gary Lineker echoed Richards’ sentiments, calling Rice a player who continues to improve, adding, “He has everything — fitness, skill, game-reading, and tactical intelligence. He is becoming one of the world’s top midfielders.”

A Star in the Making: Rice’s Role in Arsenal’s Success

Rice’s importance to Arsenal has never been more apparent than during their recent 10-match winning streak. The midfielder has been central to the club’s high-energy, high-control style of play. His ability to dictate the tempo of matches while ensuring defensive stability has been a major factor in Arsenal’s rise to the top of the Premier League.

As Arsenal continues to perform at an exceptional level, Rice has solidified his place as one of the Premier League’s most valuable players. His leadership and maturity on the field have made him an indispensable part of Arteta’s plans, and he is quickly becoming the next icon at the Emirates Stadium, following in the footsteps of legends like Patrick Vieira.

Real Madrid’s Interest in Rice

Real Madrid’s interest in Rice is no surprise. The club has been actively searching for a long-term successor for Modrić and Kroos, two midfield maestros who have defined the club’s success over the past decade. However, with a price tag of €150 million, the likelihood of Real Madrid securing Rice’s signature in the near future seems slim.

The transfer fee demanded by Arsenal reflects not only Rice’s value as a player but also his significance in Arteta’s rebuilding project at the club. Arsenal is fully aware that letting Rice go would mean losing one of their most important players, a move they are unwilling to make without receiving a substantial offer.

Arsenal’s Strategy: Building Around Rice

For Arsenal, Rice represents more than just a key player; he is a symbol of the club’s ambition to build a competitive, world-class squad. In recent years, Arsenal has heavily invested in acquiring players who can elevate the team’s performance both domestically and internationally. With Rice as the linchpin of their midfield, the Gunners have the foundations of a team capable of competing with Europe’s elite.

Arsenal’s leadership has made it clear that they view Rice as a long-term project, a player who will help guide the club to greater heights. As such, they are determined to retain him, and the €150 million price tag serves as a clear statement of their commitment to building a competitive team around him.

The Future of Declan Rice

Given his exceptional performances this season and the integral role he plays at Arsenal, Rice’s future at the club seems secure — at least for the time being. With his contract running until 2027, Arsenal has the time to negotiate and ensure that Rice remains a key figure in their plans for years to come. However, the growing interest from Real Madrid and other top clubs around Europe could complicate matters.

If Rice continues to perform at his current level, it seems likely that his value will only increase. As a result, Arsenal may find themselves in a position where they must fend off even bigger offers from clubs across the continent.

Real Madrid’s Long-Term Plans

Despite the immediate obstacles, Real Madrid will continue to monitor Rice’s situation. The club’s search for midfield reinforcements is ongoing, and while €150 million may be a steep asking price, the prospect of securing one of the world’s best midfielders could ultimately prove too tempting for them to ignore.

Real Madrid’s long-term plans are focused on revitalizing their midfield with younger, more dynamic players who can carry the club forward into a new era. Rice fits the profile of the type of player the Spanish giants are looking for, making him a prime target for the future.

Will Real Madrid Pay the Price?

The big question now is whether Real Madrid will be willing to meet Arsenal’s asking price for Rice. While €150 million is a substantial sum, the Spanish club has a history of making blockbuster signings when they see a player as essential to their future success. Given the current state of their midfield and the need for a long-term replacement for Modrić and Kroos, Real Madrid could yet be tempted to make a move.

For now, however, it seems unlikely that the transfer will happen in the short term, with Arsenal firmly standing their ground.

A New Icon in the Making

As Arsenal continues its strong run of form in the Premier League, Declan Rice’s role at the club becomes even more important. With his leadership, skill, and tactical intelligence, Rice is not only becoming a key player for Arsenal but is also on track to become a new icon in the Premier League. Whether he stays at Arsenal or makes the move to Real Madrid, Rice’s future in world football is looking bright, and he will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

As the transfer saga unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see whether Real Madrid can tempt Arsenal into selling their star midfielder or if the Gunners will successfully hold on to their irreplaceable gem.