Arsenal locked in €150m transfer battle over ‘best in the world’

Arsenal have reportedly set their asking price for Declan Rice at €150 million in an attempt to ward off fresh interest from Real Madrid.

The England international has enjoyed a sublime start to the 2025-26 season, scoring two goals and providing five assists in 16 games, and his recent form at the Emirates Stadium has attracted the attention of Xabi Alonso’s side.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, who state that Arsenal will demand a transfer fee of at least €150m to sanction a sale next year.

Rice, 25, joined the north London giants from West Ham United for €116.6m in 2023 and he is currently the 10th most valuable player in world football, as per FootballTransfers’ in-house Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) model.

The England star has cemented himself as one of Arsenal’s most important players since his arrival and Real Madrid have reportedly earmarked him as a possible signing amid their continued pursuit of a new central midfielder in 2026.

Los Blancos have identified the middle of the park as a key area of improvement and they have added Rice to a transfer shortlist that already includes the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Adam Wharton, Moises Caicedo, Angelo Stiller and Vitinha.

However, Arsenal are determined to retain the 25-year-old and they have no intention of sanctioning a sale next summer.

Declan Rice: ‘The best midfielder in the world’

News of Real Madrid’s interest in Rice comes after Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher described him as the best midfielder in world football.

Following Chelsea’s victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Carragher told Sky Sports: “I upset Chelsea fans, not for the first time, by saying Declan Rice was just ahead of this man [Moises Caicedo]. But right now we are watching two of the best midfielders in world football, there’s no doubt about that.

“There’s no shame in being behind Rice, in my eyes. They’re both absolutely fantastic.”

Rice only has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal at Arsenal, however the Gunners have initiated contract extension talks with the England star as they look to tie him down to fresh terms.

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