The midfielder is seen as one of the club's major leaders - on and off the pitch.
Teshaun Murisa and Maalik Hashi, who both penned their first professional contracts at the club last week raised Rice's name when discussing the emotions of turning pro with the Gunners.
Murisa, a defensive midfielder like Rice, said: “I think it’s really important to have players in the first team who you want to be like, because it gives you a goal that you need to aspire for and that you want to reach.
“Especially certain players like Declan Rice, they give you advice and help and tips on what you need to do to get to their level.”
While Hashi, who operates as an attacking midfielder, added: “(Declan’s) attitude, every time he comes in, he’s always smiling, ready to train, ready to put the work in. I think he’s a big inspiration for a lot of other young players as well.”