New deal on the horizon
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has suggested he will sign a contract extension soon. The 27 year old joined the Gunners from West Ham for 105 million pounds in 2023. His current deal runs out at the end of next season, though Arsenal have an option to extend it by a further year.
Talks have taken place across several months. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta previously stated that it is a matter of time before the player commits his future to the team.
Speaking ahead of England's Nations League match in Madrid, Rice said he feels lucky to play at a consistent level. He noted that a new contract is hopefully on the horizon soon. He added that he does not have to worry about contract issues because of the trust shown by his manager and the energy put in by his teammates.
Progress with the Gunners
Rice praised the progress Arsenal have made in recent years. The Gunners won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years and reached the Champions League final last season for only the second time in club history.
He explained that Arteta has instructed the squad not to have any fear when playing in tough stadiums. Arsenal reached the quarterfinals, semifinals, and then the final over the past three years, competing at places like the Bernabeu and Bayern Munich.
Rice highlighted the togetherness inside the Arsenal squad. He said the team is full of great players who run for each other, play forward, and follow the instructions of the manager.
Building togetherness with England
Rice hopes England can build a similar level of togetherness under manager Thomas Tuchel. England face Spain in the Nations League after securing a 2-1 win over Croatia on Thursday.
Tuchel is early in his reign with England, taking charge with the World Cup ahead and facing top teams in the Nations League. Rice pointed out that squads change regularly when players pull out with injuries, so building relationships in training is key.
Meanwhile, Tuchel confirmed that goalkeeper James Trafford will start ahead of Jordan Pickford in Madrid. Ezri Konsa, who suffered a knee injury, and Djed Spence, who had a muscular issue, are both fit to play after missing Thursday's win against Croatia.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- Premier League and every other league
- Premier League official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
