Arsenal v Manchester City - Premier League
Declan Rice ‘has a lot of respect in Spain’, according to Gaizka Mendieta (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal star Declan Rice has been tipped for a shock transfer move to La Liga side Real Madrid by former Spain international Gaizka Mendieta.
Rice has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world since he joined Arsenal from West Ham in a £105m deal in July 2023.
While Rice is understood to be happy in north London – and there is no indication he is looking to leave the Emirates – Mendieta believes the situation could quickly change if Arsenal don’t start landing trophies.
Rice has only clinched one trophy since his switch to Arsenal, the 2023 Community Shield, the least prestigious major title in English football.
The-26-year-old is under contract at Arsenal until 2028 with the option to extend for a further year but Mendieta says Rice is highly admired in Spain.
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Rice scored two stunning free-kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals last season and it was rumoured in November 2025 that the Spanish club were interested in signing the England international.
‘Declan Rice has a lot of respect in Spain,’ Mendieta, capped 40 times by Spain from 1999 to 2002, told BOYLE Sports, who provide the latest football odds.
Bournemouth v Arsenal - Premier League
Arsenal value Declan Rice at £132m, Fichajes reported in November (Picture: Getty)
‘Especially after what he did against Real Madrid last season in scoring two unbelievable goals.
‘For fans who don’t watch the Premier League that was the highlight, but people who watch him every week will see how good he is often.
‘He is in a good place at Arsenal and he will be hoping he can add major honours to his trophy cabinet this season.
Sunderland v Arsenal - Premier League
Declan Rice has become one of the world’s best midfielders (Picture: Getty)
‘Could we see Declan Rice at Real Madrid? If he ever became available, he is exactly the profile of player they would want.
‘At the moment he is competing in the Premier League and the Champions League with Arsenal so he is going nowhere.
‘But if that were to change I think Real Madrid would be looking at him in the market, definitely.’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta agreed with the claim that Rice is one of the world’s best midfielders after Saturday’s win over AFC Bournemouth.
Speaking after Rice scored twice in the 3-2 victory, Arteta said: ‘Yes, for me yes, [he is one of best midfielders in the world].
‘For me, the ones that we have are the best. Declan is constantly adding things to his game. He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team.
‘I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve.
‘He’s such a pivotal player for us.’
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