Arsenal will reportedly demand around €150 million to part ways with 70-cap English international Declan Rice next year amid his links with Real Madrid.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Declan Rice is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The Merengues are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a holding midfielder next year. So, the 26-year-old Arsenal midfield powerhouse has emerged as a target for Los Blancos.

However, Arsenal will demand an eye-watering sum of €150 million to part ways with the London-born midfielder next year. So, Real Madrid must pay a club-record fee to sign Rice from the North London club, and a move may not materialise.

Declan Rice and his soaring stock

Declan Rice has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League since joining Arsenal from West Ham United in a club-record deal in July 2023. The 26-year-old was already among the world’s most promising young midfielders during his time with West Ham. However, the versatile midfielder has taken his game to the next level in the last two years.

The 70-cap English international has made over 100 appearances thus far for Arsenal while chipping in with 18 goals and 25 assists. Meanwhile, Rice’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Real Madrid will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature next year.

La Liga move on the horizon?

Real Madrid’s interest in Declan Rice is understandable. The Spanish giants are scouring the market for a versatile midfielder who can boost creativity from the middle of the park and provide a solid base in the central areas. Several candidates, including Khephren Thuram, have thus emerged on Real Madrid’s wishlist, with Rice also a viable target.

The Arsenal midfielder can be a one-stop solution for Real Madrid in the middle of the park, as he can provide progression from the middle of the park while retaining a solid base in the central areas. However, Los Blancos must pay a record fee to secure the Englishman’s services, with Arsenal slapping a price tag of €150 million on him.

Meanwhile, reports this year have also linked Rice with other European bigwigs, including Paris Saint-Germain. However, it will be surprising to see the 26-year-old English international leaving Arsenal in the coming months.