Rice optimistic of new Arsenal deal

Declan Rice says he is hopeful of signing a new Arsenal contract soon.

The England midfielder, speaking ahead of his country’s Nations League clash with Spain, reflected on his development over the past few years and suggested fresh terms at Arsenal could soon be on the way.

“I’ve been extremely lucky that I’ve managed to play at such a consistent level throughout my career,” Rice said.

“I’m a player that always sets myself targets, always pushes for more. I’ve always been stable in the clubs I’m at. New contract hopefully on the horizon soon.

“I’m extremely lucky I’m at a club like Arsenal where the manager shows me so much trust. I’ve so many teammates who put so much energy and effort into me.

“I’m extremely lucky that I don’t have to worry about that stuff. It makes playing football a lot easier.”

Rice says England are now attempting to build a similar level of togetherness under Thomas Tuchel to that at his club under Mikel Arteta.

“What the manager has instilled in us at Arsenal is to not have any fear,” he said.

“The progression in the Champions League over the last three years, quarter-final, semi-final, final, coming to this stadium last year, we’ve been to the Bernabeu, Bayern Munich.

“The Arsenal of old may have struggled in those stadiums.

“You’re going to get a strong team, togetherness, we’re going to run for each other, we’re going to play forward.

“Thomas is only short into his reign here at England,.

“You need time to build these things. Squads are constantly changing.

“The biggest thing for me is constantly, every time we’re in camp, build that togetherness when we’re in training, build relationships and then take that into this kind of game.”