Key Takeaways:
- Declan Rice is on the brink of finalising a long-term contract extension with Arsenal
- The 27-year-old has made 165 appearances and played a pivotal part in Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph last term
- Rice is expected to feature for Arsenal against Leeds in the English top division on Saturday
Contract Negotiations Reach Advanced Stage
Declan Rice is nearing the conclusion of negotiations over a new long-term contract with Arsenal. The influential England international, who joined the Gunners from West Ham United in July 2023 for a £105m transfer fee, has established himself as an indispensable figure at the club. Rice’s current contract is due to expire at the conclusion of next season, but discussions regarding an improved deal commenced in March and have now progressed significantly.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: Declan Rice is close to agreeing to a new long-term Arsenal contract, with talks at an 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄. ✍️🏴
Set for a significant rise on his reported £240k-a-week salary, putting him on par with Saka.
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Key Contributions Since Joining Arsenal
The central midfielder, aged 27, has played 165 times for Arsenal and played a decisive role in their campaign to end a 22-year wait for Premier League glory last season. Upon the signing of this new contract, Rice is expected to be moved up to wage parity with Bukayo Saka, whose weekly salary is believed to be in the region of £350,000, representing a substantial rise from Rice’s reported £240,000-per-week remuneration.
| Player | Current Weekly Salary | Reported New Weekly Salary | Arsenal Appearances | Premier League Titles with Arsenal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Declan Rice | £240,000 | ~£350,000 | 165 | 1 |
International Experience and Expected Fixture Involvement
Rice withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the recent three-week camp, yet he maintains an impressive record of 80 senior caps since committing to play for England after previously representing the Republic of Ireland in 2019. Tuchel has previously described him as one of the “best midfielders in Europe”.
He is anticipated to be in contention for selection when Arsenal face Leeds at home in the top tier of English football on Saturday.
Managerial Contract News at Arsenal
This development follows closely on the heels of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta agreeing a new four-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions, with the announcement made on Wednesday.
