Jamie Carragher believes Declan Rice may doubt his future at Arsenal if the club does not win any silverware next season.
Rice, 26, has starred for Arsenal since signing from West Ham in a club-record deal worth £105million in 2023, but Carragher feels that concerns could well creep in should their wait for trophies go on.
The 2022-23 Conference League, which he won with the Hammers, remains the only senior title of Rice’s career so far.
He has come within touching distance of a title since making the move across London. He missed out on Premier League glory by just two points in his debut season, and looks set to finish as a runner-up again this year.
The Gunners suffered Champions League heartbreak as they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Paris Saint-Germain last week, having also exited the Carabao Cup in the last four against Newcastle and been ousted from the FA Cup third round by Manchester United.
Speaking after Arsenal drew 2-2 with Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday, Carragher said Rice will be encouraged by the Gunners’ progress but that doubts could surface in another year’s time if Mikel Arteta’s side don’t finally end their agonising trophy wait.
Asked when Rice may consider his options, he said on Sky Sports: “I don't think there will be any thoughts like that right now, I think they all feel they're really close.
“They are very close, but we all know as players the final step is the biggest one.
“In terms of Declan, I think he's been Arsenal's best player this season. I'm not saying he'd give it another 12 months, but I think those doubts maybe kick in in another 12 months.”
Carragher added that William Saliba, who has been with Arsenal since 2019, might run out of patience sooner.
He is widely considered to be among the best defenders in Europe and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, but has just two Community Shields to show for his time at the Emirates so far.
Carragher continued: “I don't think right now [Rice will be doubting his future]. It might be a little bit different for somebody like a [William] Saliba, who has been there a little bit longer and is desperate to get his hands on some silverware.”
