Declan Rice is nearing a new long-term Arsenal contract that will raise his weekly salary to match top earner Bukayo Saka. The advanced talks come as the club moves to secure the core of Mikel Arteta’s title-winning squad well before existing deals expire.
Declan Rice Closes In on Improved Terms at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal are closing in on a new long-term contract for Declan Rice, with discussions expected to accelerate during the September international break. The England midfielder has become a crucial player for the Gunners since his £105m arrival from West Ham in July 2023, featuring heavily as the club ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League title last term.
Negotiations have progressed to an advanced stage, with optimism on both sides that a fresh agreement will be finalized to keep him at the Emirates until at least 2031.
Rice Receives Pay Rise Under Proposed Five-Year Contract
Under a proposed five-year contract, Rice is set to receive a substantial pay rise from his previous £240,000-per-week salary.
The player’s status within the squad reflects his heavy workload. He is currently away from Thomas Tuchel’s group after withdrawing from the squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures as part of efforts to manage his workload, though the national team coach has previously lauded him as one of the best midfielders in Europe
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Securing Mikel Arteta’s Core Beyond 2028
The anticipated renewal for Rice follows manager Mikel Arteta’s commitment to a new four-year deal with the Premier League champions. Arsenal have made it a clear priority to protect the core value of their squad before key players approach the final year of their existing agreements, having previously prepared renewal talks with Rice alongside Martin Ødegaard and Jurrien Timber.
However, securing Rice leaves several other crucial 2028 contracts unresolved.