
Is Arsenal’s Future Bright or Dim? Declan Rice Calls for Urgent Changes
In a candid assessment of Arsenal's recent season, new signing Declan Rice has sounded the alarm bells for the Gunners, calling for much-needed reinforcements to ensure a return to glory. As the club navigates through mixed results, the landscape ahead appears pivotal for its aspirations to clinch titles.
Following a week marked by underwhelming performances and a disappointing exit from various competitions, Rice remarked, "We’ve been poor by our standards the last few weeks in the Premier League. We went so hard in the Champions League that our form dropped in the Premier League. This year we were poor, let’s be real.” His words resonate deeply as Arsenal eyes a stronger comeback next season.

Rice's performance has been a highlight amid the gloom, with a standout strike securing a vital 1-0 victory against Newcastle, ensuring Arsenal’s place in next season’s Champions League. Describing the match as a game of two halves, he candidly acknowledged, "They missed some big chances, and we took ours." This victory, while crucial, underlined the need for consistency that has plagued Arsenal throughout the season.
Through the ups and downs, Mikel Arteta has remained focused on the positives. After securing the win against Newcastle, he stated, “We need to make sure that chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry.” He emphasised the importance of creating their own history, with the team holding the talent to achieve silverware—a sentiment echoed by fans yearning for a return to former glories.
Despite the triumph against Newcastle, the season has been littered with disappointments. Arsenal’s exit from the FA Cup, League Cup, and the Champions League coupled with a second consecutive finish as Premier League runners-up raises questions about the club’s ambitions and strategy moving forward. Rice summarised the sentiment succinctly: "To go out of every cup competition with the players and the manager we’ve got, we need to be competing for titles and trophies.”
The looming summer transfer window has heightened expectations for both players and supporters. Rice hinted at impending changes, saying, "We’re probably going to lose a few players, so we need to sign more players. We’ll strengthen over the summer. We’re going to come back more hungry and stronger wanting to win something for this club.” His ambitions reflect a collective desire within the squad for renewal and success.
With eyes set on next season, the focus shifts to potential signings. Reports suggest Arsenal is nearing a deal for promising Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, although fans remain cautious given past promises that fell flat. Arteta, however, continues to emphasise that the club has its sights on improvement: “There is a budget. There is always an idea of what we can do, what we can improve.”
In conclusion, as Declan Rice and the rest of the Arsenal squad look towards a new chapter, questions loom large—can they rebound from a season of disappointment? Will they secure the signings needed to turn potential into performance? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks, but the urgency for change is clear as the Gunners strive to reclaim their position among football's elite.
What are your thoughts on Arsenal’s plans for the upcoming season? Do you believe the Gunners can bounce back and challenge for titles? Join the discussion in the comments below.