Declan Rice is close to signing a new long-term contract with Arsenal that would come with a major pay rise, sources told BBC Sport. The England midfielder joined the Gunners in July 2023 from West Ham for £105 million and has since made 165 appearances for the club.
Rice’s existing deal runs until the end of the 2024-25 season. Talks over an extension began earlier this year and have now reached an advanced stage. His weekly salary, currently reported at £240,000, is expected to rise significantly, putting him on a level with Arsenal’s highest earner, Bukayo Saka, who is believed to earn about £350,000 per week.
Since switching his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England in 2019, Rice has earned 80 caps. England manager Thomas Tuchel, who recently led the national team’s camp, praised Rice as one of the “best midfielders in Europe.” However, Rice withdrew from Tuchel’s squad before the latest three-week training period.
Rice played a central part in Arsenal’s Premier League title victory last season, ending the club’s 22-year wait for the trophy. His performances have made him a fixture in Mikel Arteta’s side, with the midfielder expected to feature when Arsenal host Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 BST.
The contract talks come shortly after Arsenal announced that Arteta had signed a new four-year deal to continue as manager of the Premier League champions. The club appears intent on securing their core players as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Rice’s rise since his £105 million transfer has been swift. The fee was one of the highest ever paid by Arsenal and reflected the club’s ambition to build a squad capable of sustained success. His new contract would confirm his status among the club’s most important players and reflect his influence on the pitch.
Arsenal’s investment in Rice follows a period of significant change at the club. After winning the title, they face pressure to maintain momentum in a highly competitive Premier League. Retaining a player of Rice’s calibre is part of their strategy to remain at the top of English football.
Rice’s career trajectory continues to attract attention. From his early days at West Ham to becoming Arsenal’s most expensive signing, he has developed into a player of international standing. His role in England’s midfield has grown under Tuchel’s management, despite his recent withdrawal from the squad.
The timing of the contract talks signals Arsenal’s desire to secure their squad ahead of the new season. With Arteta’s future confirmed and Rice poised to commit long-term, the club is shaping its core for what lies ahead. How this will translate on the pitch remains to be seen, but the financial and strategic moves underline Arsenal’s intent.
Rice’s new deal, if finalised, will place him among the top earners in the Premier League. Arsenal’s readiness to match his salary with Bukayo Saka’s reflects the player’s importance and the club’s willingness to invest in their talent. This comes amid a broader trend of escalating wages at the top level of English football.
Arsenal’s next match against Leeds will offer a chance to see Rice back in action following his absence from the latest England camp. Fans and observers will watch to see if his form continues to justify the club’s record signing and the significant pay rise on offer.
According to Joy Online.
