Some admirations stay quiet for a long time.
Behind closed doors.
Among people whose opinions carry weight but whose words rarely reach the outside world.
And now, it’s out in the open.
Real Madrid insiders push Florentino Perez to make Declan Rice their number one midfield target
According to TEAMtalk, influential voices within Real Madrid’s hierarchy are actively lobbying Florentino Perez to place Declan Rice at the very top of the club’s midfield wishlist this summer.
With some of those closest to the president making the case that the Arsenal captain is currently the outstanding all-round midfielder in European football.
Real Madrid are searching for midfield reinforcements under incoming manager Jose Mourinho.
With Rodri and Enzo Fernandez both admired within the Bernabeu hierarchy.
Perez is a confirmed admirer of Chelsea’s Fernandez and has already instructed work on a potential deal for the Argentine.
Rodri, meanwhile, remains one of the most respected midfielders in world football in the eyes of Madrid’s recruitment team.
But not everyone inside the club agrees those should be the priority.
A section of those influencing decisions believe Rice puts him above both alternatives.
His 2025-26 season has been the best of his career.
He heads into the World Cup as one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s England teamsheet and one of the most coveted players in the game.
For Arsenal, the response has been swift.
The Gunners have already opened discussions with Rice over a new contract.
And are increasingly confident he will commit his long-term future to the club.
Rice is considered one of the central pillars of Mikel Arteta’s project going forward.
His camp believe he should become Arsenal’s highest earner.
A position that, given his performances, very few inside the club would argue against.
However, when Real Madrid come for your best player, you move quickly.
Arsenal know exactly how this works.
And they’re not leaving it to chance.
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