Jamie Carragher makes shock Declan Rice transfer prediction over lack of trophies

Jamie Carragher has suggested that Declan Rice may put in a transfer request if Arsenal fail to land a major trophy in the next 12 months.

Rice has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world and one of Arsenal’s most important players since joining the club in 2023.

The Gunners recruited the England international from West Ham in a £105m deal and was seen as the final piece of the puzzle for Mikel Arteta.

Many expected Rice to help Arsenal win a number of trophies – but two years after his move – he has only clinched one Community Shield title.

Arsenal finished as Premier League runners-up last season while they reached the Champions League semi-finals this term before losing to PSG.

Discounting Community Shields – which are just one-off matches – Arsenal have not landed a major trophy since the FA Cup five years ago.

Arsenal’s last Premier League title came in 2004 and Carragher believes Rice could look to leave the club if their fortunes don’t change in 2025-26.

Carragher doesn’t think Rice will leave this summer but warns that ‘doubts’ over his future at the Emirates could ‘kick in’ 12 months down the line.

‘I don’t think right now, I think maybe for other players who’ve been there a bit longer,’ former Liverpool defender and pundit Carragher told Sky Sports.

‘But in terms of Declan, I think he’s been Arsenal’s best player this season. I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months.’

Rice is under contract at Arsenal until the summer of 2028 with the option to extend for a further year.

There is currently no suggestion Rice is unhappy at Arsenal having established himself as a fan favourite.

It is also incredibly unlikely that Arsenal would consider a sale given his importance to the team and how much they paid for him.

Rice missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday due to a suspected hip injury.

‘He and Jurrien [Timber] are not fit – Declan couldn’t even train so he’s injured unfortunately and couldn’t make the game,’ Arteta said.

Jamie Carragher makes William Saliba transfer prediction

While he doesn’t think Rice will want to leave Arsenal this summer, Carragher has argued the situation ‘might be different’ over William Saliba.

The Arsenal centre-back has been strongly linked to Spanish side Real Madrid in recent weeks.

‘It might be different for like a Saliba, who’s been there a bit longer and is desperate to get his hands on some silverware,’ Carragher added.

‘They all feel they’re close, and they are very close, but we all know the final step is the biggest one.’