Declan Rice reset offers huge Arsenal boost with new deal close to rival Bukayo Saka

Stepping off the Hard Rock Stadium pitch in July, Arsenal’s Declan Rice admitted the well had finally run dry.

The 27-year-old had just captained England and played the full 90 minutes in a ridiculous 6-4 victory over France in the World Cup third-place play-off.

That was his 69th appearance of the season for club and country. Across Europe's top five leagues, Marc Guehi was the only outfield player to rack up more than Rice's 5,482 minutes on the pitch.

"The body has been through a lot this season," Rice said. "I'm mentally done, physically done, and need a break now."

For more than six months, Rice had been managing neural pain in his hamstring. He also played through sickness and a calf issue at the World Cup.

The midfielder had his mandatory three weeks off following the tournament and Arsenal were open to giving him a longer break beyond that.

However, Rice made it clear in his conversations with Mikel Arteta over the summer that he wanted to return at the first possible opportunity.

Refreshed: Declan Rice reported back for Arsenal training after a break in Dubai

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He reported back for pre-season and immediately impressed the club's staff with the level of fitness he had maintained while away. Within a week he was back in action, coming off the bench to play 45 minutes in the Community Shield.

Despite Rice's remarkable ability to constantly be available, Arsenal are acutely aware of the need to be cautious with him. For once, it might be a case of less is more for Rice, managing him carefully now to get the benefits later in the season.

That was part of the reason behind the signing of Bruno Guimaraes. He is viewed not just as an option alongside Rice but as a player who can rotate with him when required.

Across the entirety of last season, Rice was substituted only six times in the Premier League. He was almost an ever-present on the pitch.

Arsenal's improved depth in midfield now allows Arteta to be more protective of Rice, who has already been brought off three times in five league matches this season.

For once, it might be a case of less is more for Rice, managing him carefully now to get the benefits later in the season

The closing stages of matches are when the strain on players is often at its highest. It has been noticeable that even when games have been tight, such as the narrow win over Aston Villa in August, Arteta has been willing to bring Rice off.

There has been more of a focus on the bigger picture. Rice was left out of the squad to face Ipswich in the Carabao Cup, for example. Last season, Arteta still felt the need to bring him on for 10 minutes against Port Vale at the same stage of the competition.

It was with that bigger picture in mind that Rice withdrew from the England squad for the recent international break. That was due to consideration for load management rather than a fresh injury concern.

Arsenal took the opportunity to give Rice some much-needed time off. He attended England's match against Spain with his son before flying out on holiday.

He did some warm weather training but it has predominantly been time off for Rice, an unusually extended period of rest to prepare himself for what is set to be another draining season.

While Rice was away, his representatives continued discussions with the club over a new contract and a full agreement is understood to be close.

Running on empty: Rice endured a gruelling World Cup campaign with England

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Rice is set for a significant pay rise, one that will elevate him close to the salary commanded by Bukayo Saka, the club's highest-paid player.

A contract extension has never been in doubt. Since talks began earlier this year, both parties have been calm about the situation and confident that an agreement would be reached.

This is about winning, and winning now. Arteta is central to that, and so is Rice.

As club football returns, the fixture list will ramp up over the next couple of months. Between now and Christmas, Arsenal have Liverpool, Brentford, Newcastle and Tottenham among their away trips.

The two Manchester clubs will be welcomed to north London. There are also Champions League showdowns with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Arteta once referred to Rice as the team's "lighthouse". After a rare mid-season break and a chance to reset, Arsenal are hoping a refreshed Rice can safely guide them towards more success.