Overview
- Kieran Maguire told the Beyond the Back Four podcast that Arsenal’s outlay on Rice is a spectacular success, citing at least £40m per season in Champions League prize money plus £6–7m per home game in the new format and the amortised fee.
- Under Mikel Arteta, Rice has shifted into a deeper build-up role, with FBRef data showing roughly five more touches per 90 in the defensive third and nearly 17 more in the middle third compared with last season.
- Rice delivered an assist and completed 50 of 52 passes in Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Slavia Prague, dictating play from deep and avoiding a booking that would have triggered a ban before Bayern Munich, as Arsenal’s strong start continues.
- On a return to Prague, Rice shared an Instagram story recalling West Ham’s 2023 Europa Conference League triumph and remains in pursuit of a first trophy with Arsenal.
- Recent reports note early, unconfirmed talk of a new Arsenal contract for Rice, reflecting how the transfer is being viewed internally and externally as a success.