Arsenal secured the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years during the 2025-2026 season, with midfielder Declan Rice playing a pivotal role in their success [1, 2]. The club paid a record fee of 105 million pounds ($141 million) to sign Rice in 2023 [1, 2].
Rice featured in all but one league match this season, scoring four goals and providing five assists [1, 2]. He completed over 2,100 passes with a success rate near 90%, helping Arsenal control possession and launch attacks [1, 2]. Defensively, Rice made 70 tackles and 37 interceptions, anchoring a defence that was the strongest in the league alongside Gabriel, William Saliba, and goalkeeper David Raya [1, 2].
Manager Mikel Arteta praised Rice in January 2026, calling him one of the best midfielders in the world and highlighting his ongoing improvement. Arteta said, "For me yes. Declan is constantly adding things to his game, he's constantly adding things to his role in the team. I don't see where he can stop" [1, 2].
Rice’s career began in Chelsea’s academy before he was released at 14. He then spent nearly ten years at West Ham, where he led them to their first trophy in 43 years [1, 2]. He had already made a name as an England international before joining Arsenal, where he elevated his profile by scoring two free-kick goals against Real Madrid in the 2025 Champions League quarter-finals [1, 2]. Former England striker Alan Shearer described Rice as "a manager’s dream" with "an amazing attitude" who "very rarely misses games" [1].
After winning the Premier League title in May 2026, Rice said, "It's not done!" signaling more ambition to come [1]. Arsenal now aim to build on their league triumph in the upcoming season.