Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is closing in on a new long-term contract with the Premier League champions, with advanced negotiations pointing toward a significant pay rise to match the club’s top earners.
Negotiations between Arsenal and Declan Rice have reached an advanced stage, with the England international positioned to secure an improved long-term agreement that reflects his status as a central pillar under manager Mikel Arteta. The discussions follow a busy period of contract renewals at the club, coming on the heels of Arteta signing a new four-year deal with the Premier League champions.
Salary Projections and Contract Terms at Arsenal
Under the proposed five-year contract structure currently under discussion, Rice is set for a substantial pay increase from his reported £240,000-per-week earnings under a proposed five-year contract. The revised terms would elevate his weekly salary to approximately £280,000, bringing him into close alignment with forward Bukayo Saka, who is believed to be paid about £350,000 a week.
While Rice’s existing deal runs until the end of next season, Arsenal also hold a unilateral option to extend that contract by an additional year. Even so, club officials have prioritized working out a fresh, long-term agreement rather than triggering the extension clause.
Transfer History, Appearances, and International Stature
Since arriving at the Emirates Stadium from West Ham United for a fee of £105m in July 2023, the 27-year-old midfielder has accumulated 165 appearances for the Gunners. His presence in the heart of the pitch helped drive the club to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title during the previous campaign.
On the international stage, Rice has earned 80 caps for England since switching his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019.
Club Manages Player Workload During International Break
The contract discussions have progressed alongside careful management of the player’s physical load. Rice is currently away from the England squad after withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s group for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. His absence is understood to be part of efforts to manage his workload after an exceptionally demanding previous campaign, in which the midfielder made 69 appearances for Arsenal and England while playing through injury problems during the campaign.
Beyond Rice, Arsenal had already identified key members of Mikel Arteta’s squad as players they want to secure for the long term. TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that the club were preparing to open renewal talks with Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Jurrien Timber, all of whom were under contract until 2028. The current push to finalize Rice's terms shows the club's strategy to maintain core stability as they defend their domestic crown.
