Arsenal are reportedly preparing contract negotiations with midfielder Declan Rice as they look to secure his services through at least the summer of 2031. The Gunners are said to be pushing for a long-term agreement with the 27-year-old, who has been a key part of their recent success.
Despite the club's efforts to keep Rice, Real Madrid have also expressed interest in acquiring him, according to TEAMtalk. The Spanish side reportedly sees Rice as a valuable addition to their squad, though Arsenal are determined to hold onto him, according to ESPN.
Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be focused on maintaining the current team structure and avoiding major disruptions. Rice has been part of Arsenal’s title-winning side, and his presence is seen as essential for the club's future.
The club’s hierarchy are reported to be keen on keeping Rice, even if it means offering him a long-term deal. Arsenal’s approach is not only about retaining talent but also about building a sustainable team for the years ahead.
In addition to Rice, Arsenal are also exploring options for other players such as Ivan Toney, who could serve as a backup striker. The Gunners are reportedly considering Toney as a potential replacement for Viktor Gyökeres if he leaves the club.
While Rice’s future remains central to Arsenal’s planning, other clubs are also keeping tabs on various players in the transfer market. Manchester City are reportedly interested in Atletico Madrid midfielder Álex Baena as a potential reinforcement.
However, any move for Baena is unlikely to happen in January unless the club needs additional support on the left flank. Manchester United have ruled out a move for defender David Alaba despite reports linking him with the club.
The team is said to be prioritizing young talent over seasoned veterans in their transfer strategy. Free agent striker Anthony Martial has drawn interest from Everton and received offers from two Ligue 1 clubs, but he rejected the two French proposals.
Martial’s decision came after the two Ligue 1 clubs were unable to promise him an undisputed starting role. Other clubs are also monitoring the market for different types of players, including Inter Milan and Liverpool.
Arsenal and Manchester City are said to be monitoring Paris Saint-Germain defender Willian Pacho. Chelsea were also reportedly interested in Fulham midfielder Sander Berge after their move for Monaco’s Lamine Camara fell through.
Brentford are currently in contract talks with winger Kevin Schade, and Arsenal have shown interest in him as well. Chelsea also considered a move for free agent midfielder Renato Sanches, according to reports.
Manchester United and Chelsea are both monitoring Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque as a potential target. Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is reportedly considering leaving the club in January if his playing time does not increase.
Free agent Jadon Sancho has received interest from two Premier League clubs but remains under consideration at Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool are pleased with their acquisition of Ronald Araujo from Barcelona on loan and may make the move permanent for £47 million.
FC Krasnodar are interested in Flamengo forward Everton Cebolinha, while Roma are considering a move for Raphael Guerreiro. Lecce midfielder Omri Gandelman is on the radar of Maccabi Haifa, according to recent reports.
These transfer rumors reflect a busy and competitive market as clubs seek to improve their squads for upcoming seasons.