Declan Rice has been helping Arsenal improve both on and off the pitch
Arsenal are flying right now – and Declan Rice deserves significant credit. Not just for his impressive displays on the pitch, but for urging the club to strengthen during the summer transfer window.
Last season, the Gunners came second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year and reached their first Champions League semi-final since 2009. Yet the campaign still felt like a step backwards for Mikel Arteta’s squad, who ended with 15 fewer league points than in 2023/24.
Improvements were necessary – and Rice made that abundantly clear after Arsenal’s painful Champions League exit to PSG in May. “Hopefully, we strengthen in the summer, sign more players because we are probably gonna lose a few as well,” he said.
“We are gonna come back next year and be ready, be stronger and even more hungry to win something for this club. That’s what we all want.”
The midfielder’s call was taken seriously. Arsenal spent £256million on fresh talent, aiming to turn themselves from nearly-men into bona fide champions.
READ MORE: ‘I told myself every day I should have never left Arsenal – I regret joining Chelsea’READ MORE: Arsenal legend shocked by Tottenham response to goalkeeper error
They shelled out £63m for Viktor Gyokeres who – despite a slightly slow start in north London – has at last given the team a genuine focal point and a dependable goal-scoring outlet. Another £67m was invested in Eberechi Eze, whose energy has upgraded Arsenal’s attack and who has already paid part of his fee back with a sensational hat-trick against Tottenham.
Noni Madueke arrived to strengthen depth in the forward line, while Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard reinforced the midfield with technical quality and control. Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera were added to solidify the backline, while Kepa Arrizabalaga joined to provide valuable European and Premier League experience as David Raya’s backup.
Overall, the Gunners appear as balanced and cohesive as they have ever been under Arteta. While they may not crush every opponent, they are playing with a level of control and confidence – both at home and abroad – that suggests a team on the verge of something remarkable.
Currently, Arsenal top both the Premier League and the Champions League group. In Europe, they have made an ideal start, highlighted by a 4-0 rout of Atletico Madrid and a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich.
Their domestic form began more tentatively. A 1-0 loss to Liverpool in August and a 1-1 draw with Manchester City in September – rescued by a late Gabriel Martinelli equaliser – indicated that there was still work to do.
Since then, however, they have won 12 of their last 13 games across all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets along the way. That defensive strength briefly put them on course to break Chelsea’s record for the fewest goals conceded in a Premier League season (15).
The clean sheets have dried up in recent weeks, but with Arsenal dominating in all areas, it should not be enough to stop their momentum – momentum that currently makes them favourites to end a 20-plus-year Premier League wait and to lift the Champions League for the first time ever.
If this trajectory continues, Rice’s rallying cry in May could well prove to be the spark that finally transforms Arsenal from a team of potential into a squad of champions.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
