Rice – Alvarez – Nwaneri feature in Arsenal transfer news now

Here is a roundup of the top Arsenal news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Declan Rice, Julian Alvarez and Ethan Nwaneri that you may have missed…

There have been fresh rumours emerge claiming Arsenal are reportedly preparing to open formal negotiations with midfielder Declan Rice over a new long-term contract, according to a fresh report from TeamTalk.

The North London club are said to be ready to significantly upgrade the England international’s wages, with suggestions that he could be offered a package in the region of £300,000 per week — a figure similar to that recently given to teammate Bukayo Saka.

The move highlights Newcastle United’s determination to secure the core of their project for the long term, with Rice viewed internally as a foundational piece of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

After joining from West Ham for a club-record fee, the midfielder has rapidly become one of the Premier League’s standout performers, contributing defensively, in build-up play and with crucial goals in high-pressure matches.

TeamTalk reports that preliminary conversations have already taken place, and formal talks could begin before the end of the season. The aim would be to reward Rice for his performances, ensure his long-term commitment, and ward off any potential interest from elite European clubs.

Rice’s impact has been immediate and substantial. His leadership qualities — evident from his time as West Ham captain — have translated seamlessly into Arsenal’s dressing room, where he is viewed as a vocal, reliable figure both on and off the pitch.

On the field, his tactical intelligence and physical dominance have made him indispensable, whether operating as a holding midfielder, a box-to-box presence or an advanced disruptor in Arteta’s fluid system.

Why Rice fully deserves the new contract

From a performance standpoint, the proposed wage increase is fully justified. Rice has not only met expectations following his high-profile move — he has exceeded them. His consistency has elevated Arsenal’s midfield to one of the most balanced units in the league, while his big-game contributions have been crucial in maintaining their title challenge.

Beyond the statistics, Rice’s attitude, professionalism and relentless work rate epitomise the standards Arteta demands.

Few signings adapt so quickly to a club’s culture, but Rice has become a defining figure in Arsenal’s modern identity: competitive, ambitious and technically elite.

If Newcastle United” target=”_blank”>Arsenal finalise the deal, it will underline Rice’s status as not just one of the best midfielders in England, but one of the pillars of their future ambitions.

ARSENAL REGRETTING NWANERI DECISION?

Journalist Fabrice Lamperti, who reports on Marseille for La Provence, believes Arsenal will now have a much different view on Ethan Nwaneri’s move to the French club after allowing him to make the move to France in the January window.

The 18-year-old was allowed to temporarily leave ARSENAL in search of regular football during the January transfer window after he failed to break into Mikel Arteta’s starting line-up that he would have hoped for this season.

He had a brilliant start to life in France, but that swiftly changed upon joining Marseille, with former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi leaving the club after some poor performances and Nwaneri struggling to get the minutes he wants under current coach Habib Beye.

And now Lamperti believes Arsenal will now have a much different view on Nwaneri’s move to the French club after the initial excitement that he would get to work under De Zerbi for the rest of the season: “Right now, yes, I think Arsenal regrets their decision,” Lamperti told football.london. “He’s not playing much, the manager has left, and it’s a mess.

“Looking on the bright side, this experience will teach him a lot, especially mentally. It will help him grow and show him what he’s capable of.”

“The loan doesn’t include an option to buy; Nwaneri will return to Arsenal,” he explained. “In any case, his salary is too high for Marseille, as is the price of a potential transfer.

“If Marseille doesn’t qualify for the Champions League next season, everyone will leave. If they do manage to qualify, will Arteta want to see Nwaneri managed by Beye after sending him to Marseille in exchange for De Zerbi? It’s doubtful.”

Will Arsenal regret letting Nwaneri move to Marseille?

The move to France looked like a very good one to make for the lad, he was joining a top side that had a top coach, and he would be getting alot more minutes than he would be in that ARSENAL side.

The Gunners could not predict what has happened to Marseille in the last few weeks, but if it continues, this move that Nwaneri pushed so hard for may be a decision that Arsenal will come to regret.

However – there is plenty of time left in the season for Nwaneri to turn things around and prove that he is good enough to play on a regular basis.

ARSENAL URGED SIGN ALVAREZ

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged the club to sign Julian Alvarez this summer, believing Mikel Arteta will benefit from having as many as four strikers at his disposal going forward.

According to sources close to the Gunners’ transfer planning, ARSENAL are already serious about securing Álvarez’s signature and have made initial enquiries with Atlético Madrid, who currently hold his contract.

The La Liga club is said to be demanding a substantial fee — with figures initially around €120 million (circa £105m) — but Arsenal are prepared to increase their offer in pursuit of their top summer target.

Álvarez has enjoyed a productive season in Spain, contributing 13 goals and six assists across all competitions for Atlético. His performances have kept him on the radar of several elite clubs, with Arsenal reportedly joined by FC Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain as suitors in the transfer sweepstakes.

Parlour’s comments come amid a broader strategic debate at the Emirates Stadium about how best to bolster the forward line. Currently, Arsenal’s attacking options include established names, but the former midfielder believes that the depth and varied skillset offered by Álvarez would add a new dimension to Arteta’s attacking plans.

In Parlour’s view, having four quality strikers — capable of rotation and injury cover — could be decisive over the long haul of a Premier League and Champions League campaign, he told Metro via BetMGM: ‘For me, Alvarez would be a great addition to the squad. There will always be people coming and going in the summer because it’s a big squad and they can’t keep everyone happy. But Alvarez would be a fantastic option to have with his pace and what we saw at Man City.

‘It was always going to be difficult for him playing with Erling Haaland there but when he did start and when he did play, he was always lively.

‘He’s a young man too, so if he’s available it’s a yes for me. When know how Arteta likes to work with young players to make them better so I think it would be a great addition, definitely.’

Will Álvarez Return to the Premier League?

The question of whether Álvarez actually wants a return to England remains nuanced. The Argentine has previously thrived in the Premier League during his spell with Manchester City, and sources suggest he is open to a move if the right opportunity presents itself.

Recent reporting indicates his preference may lean towards Spain or a club where he can be the focal point of the attack, which could complicate negotiations.

However, with interest mounting from across Europe and Atlético perhaps willing to soften their stance if a realistic offer arrives, a Premier League return can’t be ruled out.

If ARSENAL are prepared to meet Atlético’s valuation and convince Álvarez that he would be central to their project, this could become one of the most compelling transfer stories of the summer.

MORE ARSENAL NEWS AND GOSSIP – 

Latest: Wow! £100M star told to ‘FORCE’ Arsenal exit in summer after Bukayo Saka decision

Most Read: World class £80M Arsenal target makes decision about making Premier League move in summer

Must Check Out: Gunners fans told Arsenal ‘have signed one of the best – Arsenal green light sign target – Gunners contacted over Spanish deal

LOVE ARSENAL? CLICK RIGHT HERE FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND GOSSIP

Related