English midfielder Declan Rice is nearing an agreement on a new long-term contract with Arsenal Football Club. According to sources, Rice's current deal, which expires at the end of next season, will be extended in an advanced deal. The 27-year-old has been instrumental for Arsenal since joining from West Ham in July 2023 for £105 million. He has made 165 appearances and helped the club end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title last term.
Rice's new contract will reportedly come with a significant salary increase, putting him on par with the club's top earner, Bukayo Saka. The midfielder is currently earning £240,000 per week and is expected to earn about £350,000 per week with the new deal. This development comes after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League champions on Wednesday. Arteta's new contract was announced amid speculation about his future with the club.
Declan Rice has been a crucial player for Arsenal and the England national team. He has amassed 80 caps for England since switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019. Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, has previously praised Rice as one of the "best midfielders in Europe". Rice's performances have been impressive, and his new contract is seen as a major boost for Arsenal.
Rice's availability for the upcoming match against Leeds is not expected to be affected by his contract negotiations. He is set to feature in the English top-flight match on Saturday at 12:30 BST. The midfielder had withdrawn from Tuchel's England squad before the recent three-week camp, but his reasons for doing so are not publicly known.
The news of Rice's potential new contract comes as a relief to Arsenal fans. The club has been going through a successful period, having ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title last term. The team's manager, Mikel Arteta, has also committed his future to the club by signing a new four-year deal.
Declan Rice's current contract situation had been a subject of speculation in recent months. BBC Sport had revealed in March that talks over a new contract were underway, and it appears that the process is now at an advanced stage. The midfielder's commitment to Arsenal is seen as a significant boost to the team's chances of success in the coming seasons.
The potential new contract for Declan Rice is a major development in the world of football. The midfielder's performances have been impressive, and his commitment to Arsenal is a significant boost to the team's chances of success. With his new contract, Rice is expected to continue playing a crucial role for both Arsenal and the England national team.
Key points
- - Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Arsenal. - The new contract will reportedly come with a significant salary increase, putting him on par with the club's top earner, Bukayo Saka. - Rice's commitment to Arsenal is seen as a significant boost to the team's chances of success in the coming seasons.
