ARSENAL PREPARE NEW DECLAN RICE CONTRACT — REPORT
Arsenal are reportedly preparing a new long-term contract for Declan Rice as the club looks to secure the midfielder’s future at the Emirates Stadium.
According to FootballTransfers, Arsenal are expected to use the current international break to make progress on a new agreement for the England international.
Rice’s existing contract is due to expire in 2028, although Arsenal have an option to extend it by a further year. The report claims the club would prefer to agree fresh terms rather than simply rely on that extension option.
The reported new deal could run for five years and potentially keep Rice at Arsenal until 2031. FootballTransfers also reports that Rice could receive a substantial salary increase, with a figure of around £280,000 per week mentioned.
These financial details have not been officially confirmed by Arsenal, so they should be treated as reported information rather than completed contract terms.
The contract story comes at a significant moment for Rice. The 27-year-old has established himself as an important midfielder for Arsenal since joining from West Ham United and has remained a regular part of Mikel Arteta’s plans.
However, Rice has also withdrawn from England’s current international squad because of an injury issue.
The Football Association confirmed that Rice was among five players who pulled out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad, with Everton’s James Garner and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White subsequently called up.
Rice’s workload has been closely monitored. The Guardian reported earlier this month that he made 69 appearances for Arsenal and England last season and had previously dealt with neural back and hamstring pain.
For Arsenal, securing Rice’s long-term future would provide continuity in midfield while the club continues to build around its established players.
The Guardian has also reported that Arsenal are keen to extend Rice’s contract as part of efforts to secure key members of Arteta’s squad on longer-term agreements.
For now, though, supporters will have to wait for an official announcement before considering a new Rice contract completed.
Source: FootballTransfers, Reuters, The Guardian and England Football.
What do you think, Arsenal fans? Should Declan Rice remain at Arsenal until 2031?