Declan Rice Nears New Long-Term Arsenal Contract, BBC Sport Reports

Declan Rice is close to agreeing a new long-term Arsenal contract, according to BBC Sport, bringing the 27-year-old midfielder toward parity with the club’s highest earners following a successful Premier League title campaign.

Rice Expects Salary Increase in New Arsenal Deal

Talks over a new deal for the England midfielder are at an advanced stage, sources told BBC Sport, following initial discussions that began in March. Rice is expected to receive a significant increase on his current reported salary of £240,000 per week. The new terms would align his compensation with Bukayo Saka, who earns approximately £350,000 weekly as Arsenal’s top earner.

Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham in July 2023 for a £105m fee. His existing contract is scheduled to expire at the end of next season. Since arriving at the club, the midfielder has made 165 appearances and contributed to Arsenal ending a 22-year wait for a Premier League title during the previous term.

Rice Returns to Arsenal After England Absence

While Rice withdrew from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad prior to a recent three-week camp, he has accumulated 80 caps since changing his international allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019. Tuchel has previously described him as one of the best midfielders in Europe.

On the domestic front, Rice is expected to feature for Mikel Arteta’s side when Arsenal host Leeds in the English top flight on Saturday. The ongoing contract developments follow the announcement on Wednesday that manager Mikel Arteta has signed a new four-year agreement with the Premier League champions.

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