-
News
- 25 minutes ago
Real Madrid identify Arsenal's most important player as 'perfect signing'
Cameron Smith
- 1 Dec 2025 06:04 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Real Madrid are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Arsenal superstar Declan Rice as they look to finalise the signing of a new central midfielder in 2026.
Los Blancos failed to land a replacement for Luka Modric this summer, following his departure to AC Milan upon the expiration of his contract at the Bernabeu, and they are eager to rectify this mistake next year.
Current ETV
Declan Rice
M, DM (C)
Arsenal
Declan Rice
M, DM (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€103.3M - €126.3M
The Spanish giants have identified a number of top targets in recent weeks, including the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Vitinha, Moises Caicedo, Angelo Stiller, Adam Wharton and Kees Smit, however they are yet to engage in advanced negotiations over a transfer.
Xabi Alonso’s side are likely to wait until next summer before strengthening their options in the middle of the park, with a January deal far more difficult to agree, and the aforementioned Rice has now been earmarked as the “perfect signing.”
That is according to Spanish publication E-Noticies, who claim that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez believes Rice would be an excellent addition for the 15-time Champions League winners and he is keen to attempt a pursuit of his signature.
The England star impressed chief Real Madrid scout Juni Calafat with his Man of the Match performance against Bayern Munich last week and Los Blancos are hoping to engage in discussions over a possible transfer soon.
However, Rice still has over two-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at Arsenal and it has been widely reported that he is in talks with the club over an extended deal.
Declan Rice to Real Madrid?
Real Madrid were keenly interested in agreeing a deal for Arsenal central defender William Saliba this summer, however the France international snubbed the chance to secure a Bernabeu switch in favour of signing fresh terms in north London.
Los Blancos have now turned their attention to an alternative Arsenal star, with Rice emerging as a key target for next year.
However, the 26-year-old currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €114.8 million and Arsenal will have no intention of allowing one of their most important players to depart in 2026.
Football transfer news headlines today
TRANSFER RUMOURS: Man Utd line up record deal as Chelsea receive request
Fabrizio Romano Transfer News: Arsenal CONFIRMATION, €40m Man Utd UPDATE, Liverpool deal OFF
Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS first Man Utd January signing
Chelsea discover bargain release clause to beat Arsenal and Man Utd to PROLIFIC striker transfer
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
