Declan Rice odds-on favourite for top Premier League prize after what he’s done for Arsenal
Declan Rice has been mooted to win the PFA’s Premier League Player of the Year award at the end of the season.
Arsenal progressed past Chelsea to the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday, to continue what has been a dream season so far for Mikel Arteta‘s team.
The Gunners have had their fair share of wobbles, but they remain in a strong position going into the final months of the season.
Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League, and hold a six-point lead over closest challengers Man City.
And after a flawless league phase, Arsenal are the favourites to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Declan Rice leads bookies favourites for PFA award
Rice has been named among the candidates for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, such has the midfielder been impressive this season.
The 27-year-old has somehow taken on yet another level in this campaign, providing a relentless presence for the Gunners.
| Declan Rice | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 44 |
| Tackles | 42 |
| Duels won | 82 |
With four goals and seven assists across all competitions, the England international has been a threat going forward, as well as a dominant ball-winner in the middle.
Where it’s set-piece deliveries, ball-carrying, tackling, intercepting or spreading play, Rice is constantly the man Arteta relies on.
It will be crucial that he stays fit for the remainder of the season, with Arsenal still in the mix for four competitions.
With the Premier League looking as if it could finally be set to return to Arsenal, for the first time since their 2006 move to the Emirates Stadium, early favourites have been named for the PFA Player of the Year award.
Rice is the favourite at 8/13 according to one major bookmaker, with Erling Haaland (15/8) and Gabriel (16/1) trailing in his wake.
Rice stuns against Chelsea
Rice is so often the man to step up in the big moments for Arsenal, and it was a similar story on Tuesday night.
The midfielder was visibly shattered, putting his hands on his knees at one point as the Gunners looked to see out their narrow lead.
But in the final seconds, he used what was left in the tank to drive forward and provide an option for Leandro Trossard.
The winger found Rice, and he found Kai Havertz to seal the victory and Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup final.