Declan Rice Urges Arsenal to Sign ‘World-Class’ Star and Block Tottenham Move

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has reportedly encouraged manager Mikel Arteta to push for the signing of a top attacking talent, urging the club to beat rivals Tottenham Hotspur to his signature.

However, former Premier League manager Alan Pardew believes the player should reject Arsenal in favour of a move to Spurs.

Following a disappointing end to last season—missing out on the Premier League title and exiting the Champions League in the semi-finals against Paris Saint-Germain—Arsenal are determined to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Gunners have already completed the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, while midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are also expected to arrive from Real Sociedad and Brentford, respectively. Talks are ongoing with Valencia for highly rated defender Cristhian Mosquera, as Arsenal aim to bolster their back line.

There is also growing speculation about a potential bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, should the Brazilian forward decide to leave Spain this summer.

Another key name on Arsenal’s radar is Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze. The 25-year-old impressed last season, operating primarily as a playmaker, and his performances have caught the attention of both Arsenal and Tottenham.

Declan Rice is said to be a strong admirer of Eze and has reportedly urged Arsenal to secure his signing. The England international is viewed as a player who could add creativity and flair to Arsenal’s attack, but competition from Spurs could make this one of the summer’s most closely watched transfer battles.