Former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle has now revealed what Declan Rice told NBC Sports pundits after Arsenal beat Everton.

Declan Rice remains optimistic about the club’s future prospects despite the fact that Arsenal missed out on the Premier League title on Sunday.

The Gunners did their job as they beat the Toffees 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. However, Manchester City were still able to retain their Premier League crown as they overcame West Ham United.

Arsenal players were clearly despondent after the final whistle. Aaron Ramsdale was seen consoling Bukayo Saka on the pitch. However, Mikel Arteta still believes that the best is yet to come for this group.

The North London club has made progress year-on-year under the Spanish coach’s guidance. The manager will look to strengthen his squad again next summer. Speaking on the Emirates Stadium pitch after full-time on Sunday, Arteta told Arsenal fans that silverware is on its way.

These sentiments were soon echoed by Rice.

Declan Rice makes promise about Arsenal future

According to Robbie Earle, speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast: “Declan Rice came to our desk…he just said ‘this place is special, it’s unique. There’s something about it.’ He said, ‘we are going to be winners.’ I get the sense that this group didn’t accept that they were second, but realised that they weren’t quite good enough this year.”

The 25-year-old was brought to the Emirates Stadium in the most recent summer transfer window to take Arsenal one step closer to being worthy of the title. The midfielder was a landmark signing for the club, and certainly improved the Gunners this season.

Former Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that Rice would have been his pick for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

How Mikel Arteta must now build on Arsenal progress

Ultimately, though, the Gunners still fell a little short in their quest to be crowned champions. Arteta will now look to strengthen his squad again this summer. Arsenal have been urged to bolster their midfield with a player who can help to bring the best out of Rice. 

Arsenal are close to achieving their aim, and there is certainly a positive atmosphere at the club. Even after full-time against Everton, with their title dream gone for another year, Arsenal fans remained vocal in their support of the players. 

That positivity and momentum will help Arteta and sporting director Edu to attract players to the club this summer. A few astute signings in the coming months could be enough to make Arsenal champions next season.