Arsenal close in on fresh Rice agreement
Declan Rice is nearing a new long-term contract with Arsenal, according to BBC Sport sources. The England midfielder joined from West Ham in 2023 and has become a key part of the club's recent Premier League success. His proposed terms would reportedly move his pay closer to Arsenal's highest earners.
BBC Sport sources indicate Rice is moving toward a fresh Arsenal agreement. The 27-year-old arrived from West Ham in July 2023 for £105m and has since made 165 appearances, helping the club win a first Premier League crown in 22 years. His existing terms run out after next season, with negotiations reported in March now advanced.
The proposed package would lift his reported £240,000 weekly wage toward Bukayo Saka’s level, understood to be about £350,000. Rice, capped 80 times by England after switching from Ireland in 2019, missed the recent England camp but is expected to face Leeds on Saturday. Arsenal announced Mikel Arteta’s new four-year deal on Wednesday.
For Arsenal supporters and Premier League followers, securing Rice may reinforce confidence in the club’s on-field direction and commercial stability. His reported pay rise could influence expectations around elite midfielder wages, potentially shaping negotiations elsewhere. England fans may see it as a sign of his continued prominence, though contract news rarely changes daily life for the wider public.