Declan Rice closes in on new long-term Arsenal contract

Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Arsenal as the Premier League champions move to secure the future of one of the key figures in their title-winning campaign.

Sources told BBC Sport that negotiations over a new deal for the England midfielder have reached an advanced stage, several months after Arsenal opened discussions with the 27-year-old.

Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United for a club-record £105 million in July 2023 and has since established himself as a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s side.

He has made 165 appearances for the Gunners and played a major role as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season.

The midfielder’s existing contract runs until 2028, with Arsenal holding an option to extend it by a further year.

However, the club began talks in March over improved terms designed to reflect Rice’s growing importance to the team.

BBC Sport reported at the time that Rice’s existing salary was understood to be around £240,000 a week.

The proposed new agreement is expected to represent a substantial increase, with reports putting his potential earnings at approximately £350,000 per week — a figure that would bring him close to Bukayo Saka, believed to be Arsenal’s highest-paid player.

Rice’s importance has extended beyond his defensive duties.

His ability to control midfield, contribute goals and provide physical strength has made him one of Arteta’s most trusted players since his arrival in north London.

His influence has also been recognised at international level.

Rice has won 80 England caps since switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has previously described him as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Rice withdrew from England duty ahead of the national team’s recent three-week camp, but is expected to return to Arsenal action when the champions host Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday.

The latest development comes just a day after Arsenal confirmed that Arteta had signed a new four-year contract that will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until June 2030.

The agreement followed a transformative period under the Spaniard, who guided Arsenal to their first league title since 2004.

Reuters reported that Arteta’s renewal forms part of Arsenal’s wider ambition to build a sustained period of success after their breakthrough title triumph.

The club is now seeking to keep the core of the squad that delivered that success together, with Rice regarded as one of its most important long-term assets.