Declan Rice, the England midfielder, is nearing a new long-term contract with Arsenal. Sources close to the negotiations have informed BBC Sport that the deal is at an advanced stage. Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in July 2023 for a transfer fee of £105m. Since his arrival, he has become a crucial player for the team.
Rice's current contract with Arsenal is set to expire at the end of next season. However, talks over a new contract have been underway since March. The 27-year-old has made 165 appearances for Arsenal and played a significant role in helping the club end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title last term.
As part of the new contract, Rice is expected to receive a significant increase in his salary. His current weekly wage is reported to be £240,000, but he could earn around £350,000 per week, similar to Bukayo Saka, who is one of the club's top earners. This increase reflects Rice's importance to the team and his status as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
Rice has been a key player for England, earning 80 caps since switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019. Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, has praised Rice, calling him one of the "best midfielders in Europe". Despite withdrawing from the recent England squad, Rice is expected to be involved in Arsenal's upcoming Premier League match against Leeds.
The news of Rice's potential new contract comes after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta agreed to a new four-year deal with the club. Arteta's contract extension was announced on Wednesday, and it is seen as a significant move to secure the team's future. Rice's new contract would be another important step in building a strong squad.
Rice's performances have been impressive since joining Arsenal, and his contribution to the team's success has been significant. He has become a vital part of the team, and his new contract would be a major boost to the club's prospects. The exact details of the contract have not been disclosed, but it is expected to be a long-term deal.
Arsenal is set to host Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 BST. Rice is expected to be part of the squad, and his involvement would be crucial in the team's bid to secure a win. The news of his potential new contract is likely to be welcomed by Arsenal fans, who have seen the team's fortunes improve significantly since Rice's arrival.
Key points
- Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Arsenal, with sources indicating that the deal is at an advanced stage.
- Rice's new contract would come with a significant salary increase, potentially earning him around £350,000 per week.
- The midfielder has become a crucial player for Arsenal since joining from West Ham in July 2023 for £105m.
