Midfielder Declan Rice has thrown down the gauntlet for his Arsenal teammates. The Ambitious challenge? Win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 season. It’d be their first since the legendary ‘Invincibles’ campaign of 2003-04.
Rice isn’t just hoping. He’s demanding a lasting legacy. He’s calling this current group the “class of 2025-26.” That’s a bold statement, putting everyone on notice. This isn’t just about winning. It’s about making history.
The Weight of History and Rice’s Call
Rice’s declaration isn’t subtle. It’s a direct appeal. He wants this Arsenal squad to etch their names into club lore. The ‘Invincibles’ of 2003-04 remain the benchmark. That team, under Arsène Wenger, went the entire Premier League season unbeaten.
They racked up 26 wins, 12 draws, and 90 points. That’s the ghost this current Arsenal side needs to conquer. And Rice wants it done this season, not later. It sets a high bar. A very high one.
Declan Rice set a ‘legacy’ challenge for Arsenal team-mates, urging them to secure Premier League first since the ‘Invincibles’ Goal.com reported.
He’s basically saying, “Let’s be remembered.” That sort of talk comes with its own pressure. But it also shows belief. Belief in the squad. Belief in himself.
It’s not just a casual comment; it’s a public demand for greatness. And fans will hold him to it.
The £105 Million Man and His Own Legacy
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United in 2023. The reported £105 million fee made him a central figure immediately. Big money brings big expectations.
He’s been a key player in midfield since arriving. But this challenge, it pushes things further. It puts his own standing on the line, too.
A former Liverpool player, apparently, already stated the £105m signing “needs to start producing ‘magic moments’ in major finals to cement his legacy,” according to Goal.com. Rice is aware of that. He isn’t shying away from it. He’s leaning into the pressure. That’s a brave move for a player of his standing.
His role isn’t just to tackle and pass. It’s to lead. To inspire. This statement is part of that leadership. He’s taking ownership of the club’s ambition. And it’s not just for this year. It’s for the history books. That’s a heavy burden to carry, but he seems ready for it.
Mid-Season Stakes and Title Race Realities
This challenge comes mid-season, in early 2026. The 2025-26 Premier League campaign is in full swing. Arsenal finds itself positioned as a title contender. But the league is tight. Very tight. And the season has already thrown up some bumps.
They recently suffered a 3-2 home loss to Manchester United. That was their first home defeat of the season. Manchester United, in contrast, was on a six-match unbeaten streak then, beating both Arsenal and Manchester City as reported by Goal.com.
The wider Premier League context adds another layer. Liverpool could confirm the title soon, depending on how things shake out. Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland are battling for the Golden Boot. Arsenal isn’t just fighting for themselves; they’re in a dogfight.
And there’s talk of transfers, too, like Nico Williams, but nothing confirmed. But Rice’s focus is on the core mission. The title. The legacy. That’s what matters.
The Path to Immortality
To win the Premier League is tough. To win it after a 20-plus year drought? That’s harder. And to do it while being compared to the ‘Invincibles’? That’s a whole different level. Rice’s challenge isn’t just about the points total. It’s about reputation.
It’s about what this Arsenal team will be remembered for. Will they be just another good squad? Or will they be the “class of 2025-26” who broke the curse? That’s the question Rice has put to his teammates. And to himself.
The next few months will show if they can answer it. It’s a defining moment for the club. And for everyone involved. They’ve got to deliver.
Soureesh Datta 
Ishaan Singh 
Priyanjan Paul