Declan Rice Nears Lucrative New Arsenal Contract as Gunners Look to Secure Midfielder’s Future

Arsenal are closing in on a new long-term contract agreement with Declan Rice, with negotiations reportedly reaching an advanced stage as the Premier League champions move to secure the future of one of their most influential players.

According to BBC Sport, the England international is close to agreeing fresh terms that would see him receive a substantial salary increase and strengthen his long-term commitment to the north London club.

Rice, 27, joined Arsenal from West Ham United in July 2023 in a blockbuster £105 million transfer. Since arriving at the Emirates Stadium, he has established himself as a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s team, making 165 appearances and playing an important role in the club’s historic Premier League triumph last season.

That success ended Arsenal’s 22-year wait to lift the English top-flight title, with Rice emerging as one of the key players behind the achievement.

Although his existing contract runs until the end of next season, Arsenal have been working to extend his stay. Discussions between the club and the midfielder were first reported in March, and those negotiations have now progressed significantly.

The proposed agreement is also expected to bring a major financial reward for Rice.

Currently believed to earn around £240,000 per week, the midfielder could see his wages rise to a level comparable with Arsenal’s highest-paid player, Bukayo Saka, whose reported salary stands at approximately £350,000 per week.

Such an increase would underline Rice’s importance to Arteta’s plans as Arsenal aim to build on their recent domestic success.

Rice has also become a prominent figure on the international stage. Since changing his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England in 2019, he has collected 80 senior international caps.

Despite withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the recent three-week international camp, his reputation remains strong. Tuchel has previously described Rice as one of the “best midfielders in Europe”, highlighting the midfielder’s standing at the highest level.

Attention will now turn to Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Leeds United on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 BST. Rice is expected to be available for the home encounter.

The contract developments come during an important week for Arsenal, following Wednesday’s announcement that manager Mikel Arteta had signed a new four-year agreement with the club.

With Arteta’s future secured and Rice seemingly approaching a fresh deal, Arsenal are taking significant steps to maintain stability within the squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead.