Arsenal Begin Talks to Extend Declan Rice’s Contract

Arsenal have approached midfielder, Declan Rice, over a new long-term contract as the Premier League leaders look to secure one of their key players for the foreseeable future.

Rice, 27, joined Arsenal from West Ham in 2023 for a reported £105 million and has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s top midfielders.

He has made 102 Premier League appearances for the club and earned 72 caps for England.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, the England international’s current deal still has two years remaining, with an option to extend for an additional 12 months.

Arsenal are now offering a pay increase to make Rice one of the club’s top earners.

For comparison, teammate Bukayo Saka recently signed a four-and-a-half-year contract worth a minimum of £300,000 per week, while Rice currently earns a reported £240,000 per week.

Discussions are at an early stage, and no timeline has been set for completion, but Arsenal are keen to ensure Rice commits his prime years to the club.

The move comes as Arsenal have focused on securing the futures of their top stars.

Over the past year, the club has extended contracts for Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri, and are also in talks with Jurrien Timber over a new deal.

Goalkeeper David Raya and forward Leandro Trossard have also received improved contracts recently, though without additional time added.

Arsenal currently lead the Premier League by seven points over Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The Gunners host Everton on Saturday as City travel to West Ham, continuing their pursuit of a first league title since 2004, during Arsene Wenger’s reign.