Real Madrid make Declan Rice a priority target as Arsenal face transfer fight | OneFootball

During the summer, Real Madrid were left frustrated after failing in their bid to sign a new top-level midfielder. They were priced out of a move for Enzo Fernandez, while Rodri turned them down in favour of joining arch rivals Barcelona, which made that snub all the more painful for club bosses – and head coach Jose Mourinho.

Nevertheless, Real Madrid are looking to the future in their bid to add quality to their midfield. Another option alongside the likes of Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni and Bernardo Silva is still wanted, especially as Eduardo Camavinga has done little to dispel doubts about his ability to command a first team spot after a slow start to the 2026-27 campaign.

With Fernandez, who joined Manchester City in the final days of the summer transfer window, and Rodri no longer on the market for 2027, Real Madrid have been forced to turn their attention elsewhere. They could be about to add another English star alongside Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold, with TEAMtalk (via CaughtOffside) reporting that they are interested in Arsenal star Declan Rice.

Arsenal desperate not to lose Rice

Real Madrid have made Rice their leading midfield target for 2027, and with good reason. The 27-year-old is one of the best players in the Premier League, and with his contract expiring in the summer of 2028, he could be available on the market if Arsenal are unable to secure a renewal agreement before the end of the current campaign.

Unfortunately for Real Madrid, that is exactly what Arsenal are working on. The Gunners are already planning to offer their star midfielder a new deal, which they will hope to have agreed before Real Madrid can make a move for his services. The prospect of playing alongside international teammates Trent and Bellingham would surely be enticing for Rice, which is why Los Blancos officials will hope that he holds out on agreeing a renewal in North London.