Arsenal Close to Agreeing New Long-Term Deal with Declan Rice

Arsenal are close to agreeing a new long-term contract with Declan Rice, with talks said to be in the final stages, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano says the club is making strong progress towards keeping the England midfielder for the long haul. 

"Arsenal are advancing very well to keep at the club for the long term one of the crucial players of this team - Declan Rice," he said. "The agreement between Arsenal and Rice over a new deal is getting to the final stages."

The salary side is almost sorted, Romano added, with the length of the deal and a few other details still to be worked out. He said Arsenal are upbeat about getting it over the line. 

"Arsenal are optimistic to get it done and to have Declan Rice as part of their long-term project," he said. He also noted that the club's directors, coaching staff and team-mates all see Rice as a crucial figure.

Rice is thought to earn around £240k a week now. Earlier reports suggested the new deal could lift that to about £350k a week, which would put him level with Bukayo Saka as Arsenal's top earner. The move would also help Mikel Arteta keep his title-winning group together. Arteta himself is committed to the club until 2030.

The 27-year-old joined from West Ham for £105m in 2023 and has become one of Arsenal's key men. He can play as a holding midfielder or push higher up the pitch, which gives Arteta plenty of options. 

He scored twice from free kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals in April 2025, and he played a big part in the Premier League title last season, which ended the club's 22-year wait.