Image credit: Getty Images
Declan Rice has called on Arsenal to reinforce their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, as the Gunners look set to finish the season without a major trophy despite significant progress on the pitch.
The England midfielder delivered another standout performance in Arsenal’s final home game of the campaign, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Newcastle United — a result that secured Champions League football for next season. The strike marked Rice’s seventh goal of the season, with nine assists across all competitions, making it the most productive campaign of his career so far.
However, speaking after the match, Rice admitted the season has been “difficult” and stressed the need for reinforcements if Arsenal are to challenge for silverware next year.
“After coming so close last year in the Prem, this year we were, by our standards, poor — let’s be real,” Rice said. “To go out of every cup competition and the Champions League, with the team we’ve got and the manager we’ve got, we need to be competing for titles. We can’t be taking anything for granted.”
READ MORE: Josh Kroenke holds secret meeting with Mikel Arteta following bold transfer statement
Looking ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, Rice expressed optimism that new arrivals would help elevate the team to the next level.
“Hopefully, we strengthen in the summer, sign more players because we are probably gonna lose a few as well,” he added. “We are gonna come back next year and be ready, be stronger, and even more hungry to win something for this club. That’s what we all want.”
Declan Rice scored his ninth goal of the season for Arsenal against Newcastle United (Image credit: Getty Images)While Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy remains largely under wraps, the club is widely reported to be in advanced negotiations to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke has pledged significant squad investment this summer as the club looks to finally end their five-year wait for major silverware.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NOW ARSENAL WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“We’re striving to win major trophies and, on the men’s front, we know we’ve fallen short of what we all wanted this season,” Kroenke admitted.
“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season.” He highlighted the importance of new sporting director Andrea Berta in this process, describing a “unified and strong team” working in “the Arsenal way.
“We’re as hungry for success as you are – that goes for everyone who works for the club.”
Arsenal are expected to be active in the transfer market once again, with fans hopeful that key additions will help turn near-misses into trophies next season.
NEXT ARTICLE: Mikel Arteta delivers clear transfer demand to Arsenal chiefs
