Arsenal have improved massively in recent years, but they haven’t got much to show for it.
Indeed, for as good as Mikel Arteta’s side have been over the past few years, they’ve not won a major trophy since 2020, and that is a problem.
Over the years, numerous players have left Arsenal in search of major trophies, and, after a five-year drought, we may be getting to that point again.
William Saliba has been touted as a potential departure as Arsenal continue to fall short, and Real Madrid are keen on Saliba.
Meanwhile, over the weekend, Jamie Carragher made a similar claim about Declan Rice.
"I think those doubts kick in, maybe in another 12 months" ⏱️
Jamie Carragher thinks that Declan Rice may start to question if he can win at Arsenal 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ysWtoAmPPN
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 11, 2025
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Now, speaking on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand has been discussing Rice’s future at Arsenal, and he reckons the midfielder won’t be looking to leave the Emirates before he gets the Gunners over the line.
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand makes Declan Rice prediction
Ferdinand spoke about Rice and his future after Jamie Carragher’s comments.
Ferdinand knows Rice well from his links with West Ham and his work in the media in recent years, and he thinks the midfielder wouldn’t consider leaving Arsenal before his job at the Emirates was done.
“He’ll make a fire and then act as if, oh, I ain’t done anything. Like, to give you context, he said that if Arsenal don’t start getting over the line and win silverware, players like Declan Rice will start to think about moving to a club who’s more likely to win trophies. Like, bro, this is Dec’s second season, bro,” The host said.
“Let’s calm down. Do you know what I mean? And don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s okay to finish second forever, but my guy.”
“Because I think Declan, I think he’s a bit of a throwback. There’s a difference to him. I think he’d want to get the job done before he thought about going anywhere,” Ferdinand said.
“I think he’d be that type. I could be wrong, but from now on Declan.
“Yeah, and from knowing Declan, I think that’s where I think he would sit.”
“Declan’s not gone to Arsenal for money or fame.
“He’s gone there to try and improve himself and win. And if you’re not doing that, I could see him maybe getting itchy feet, but I think it’s too early to say that.”
Players who left Arsenal to win trophies
Arsenal are in danger of losing star players if they don’t win silverware soon, as they know only too well.
Indeed, in the late 2000s and early 2010s, there was an exodus in north London as players left Arsenal in search of major honours elsewhere.
Arsenal went nine years without a trophy from 2005 to 2014, and, in that time, the Gunners lost a number of key players.
Players who left Arsenal to win trophies Club joined
Thierry Henry Barcelona
Robin van Persie Man Utd
Samir Nasri Man City
Cesc Fabregas Barcelona
Gael Clichy Man City
Thomas Vermaelen Barcelona
Kolo Toure Man City
Declan Rice, of course, isn’t in this boat quite yet – he’s only been at Arsenal for two years, but there are a few players who are a bit more long-serving who may start to get fed up soon.
Real Madrid really like Saliba, and, as Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown in recent times, a move to the Bernabeu is enough to turn the head of any player.
Arsenal need to be careful here, otherwise they’re going to lose some big names in the coming years.