Declan Rice Hails Arsenal’s Arteta After New Four-Year Deal
Declan Rice believes Arsenal have secured a major advantage by extending Mikel Arteta’s stay, describing the Spaniard as the best coach he has worked under as the champions prepare to resume their Premier League campaign.
Arteta has agreed a new four-year deal that will keep him at the north London club until 2030. In charge since 2019, he is now the longest-serving manager across England’s top four divisions and led Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years last season.
Quick facts
- Mikel Arteta’s new agreement runs through to 2030.
- Arsenal won the Premier League last season, ending a 22-year wait.
- Declan Rice has begun every Arsenal match this term.
- Rice withdrew from England’s latest camp to manage physical issues and workload.
- Arsenal welcome Leeds United on Saturday after losing 3-0 at Brighton.
Rice said Arteta’s value lies in the level of preparation he brings to training and matches. The midfielder pointed to his manager’s tactical planning, defensive work and attention to small details as qualities that keep the squad alert.
“He sees things that players would not normally notice,” Rice said. “He is always observing and questioning you, checking that you are switched on and ready.”
The 27-year-old added that Arsenal enter games with clarity over their approach both in and out of possession, including how they intend to exploit an opponent. He said Arteta’s ability to break down those demands is why he considers him the leading coach.
Rice welcomed the manager’s decision to commit for another four years, saying the players are fortunate to have that continuity. Arteta’s extension follows a title-winning campaign but comes at a point when Arsenal are seeking an immediate response in the league.
Rice had been ever-present for Arsenal before sitting out England duty during the international break. It was only the first or second camp he had missed since making his international debut, and he said he was disappointed not to join Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
However, after discussions with Tuchel and Arteta, Rice felt the break was the right step to settle issues he had been carrying. He said he now feels refreshed and expects to return for the coming run of fixtures in good condition.
Arsenal’s players have returned as reigning champions, but Rice said last season’s success cannot become a distraction. He noted that new squads, signings and opponents make the current campaign a separate challenge.
There is greater confidence within the group, Rice said, but he stressed that Arsenal must remain grounded, approach matches one at a time and accumulate as many victories as possible. Their first task after the break is Saturday’s home meeting with Leeds, following the 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
