The club’s hierarchy is keen to reward the 27‑year‑old Rice, who arrived from West Ham in a nine‑figure transfer in 2023 and has become a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side. The Guardian reports Arsenal hold an option to extend his current deal, which runs until 2028, by a further 12 months, but the Gunners would rather secure him on a new long‑term contract.
At the same time, Arsenal’s academy at Colney is still active in the market. Striker Vincent Joseph was added to the youth ranks this week, and reports suggest that clubs are monitoring other young talents such as Eli Junior Kroupi, Rio Ngumoha and Julian Alvarez.
Feyenoord, who hold Alvarez’s registration, rebuffed a €17 million (£14.5 million) bid from Lille over the summer. Alvarez remains under contract until 2029, and his current club has made clear it will not let him leave cheaply.
Loan speculation has centred on 18‑year‑old Max Dowman, with both Celtic and Rangers reportedly prepared to take him on a short‑term deal before the season ends. TeamTalk notes that more than a dozen clubs have approached Arsenal about the youngster’s future, and Arteta has said the club will evaluate the situation every six months before deciding the best course of action.