Declan Rice is on the verge of putting pen to paper on a new long-term contract at Arsenal, with sources telling BBC Sport that talks between the England midfielder and the club have reached an advanced stage.

Rice arrived at the Emirates from West Ham in July 2023 for a fee of £105 million and has since established himself as one of the first names on Mikel Arteta's team sheet. He has made more than 150 starts for the Gunners, and the noises out of north London suggest both parties are keen to secure his future well beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of next season.

Significant Pay Rise on the Cards

Under the terms being discussed, Rice would receive a substantial uplift on his reported current salary of £240,000 per week. The new arrangement is expected to bring him into line with Arsenal's top earner Bukayo Saka, who is believed to take home around £350,000 a week — making Rice one of the highest-paid players the club has ever had on its books.

The timing of the agreement is significant. It follows Wednesday's announcement that Arteta himself has signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League champions, signalling that the club's leadership are determined to tie down their key figures for the next phase of Arsenal's ambitions.

England Boss Tuchel Full of Praise

Rice's stock could hardly be higher right now. England manager Thomas Tuchel, speaking earlier this week, described him as one of the best midfielders in Europe — a verdict that will only strengthen Arsenal's resolve to get a deal over the line as swiftly as possible. At 27, Rice is entering his peak years, and the club are clearly intent on making sure those years are spent at the Emirates.

BBC Sport first reported in March that contract talks were underway, and the process has since moved at pace. A formal announcement has yet to be made, but sources indicate the broad terms are close to being agreed, with the finer details likely to be ironed out in the coming weeks.

Stability at the Top

For Arsenal supporters, the near-certain renewal of Rice's deal — following so swiftly on Arteta's own extension — represents a clear statement of intent. The club have spent two seasons knocking on the title-winning door, and keeping their engine room intact is a prerequisite for going one step further.

Rice has been central to everything Arteta has built in midfield: press-resistant, composed on the ball, and capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch. Losing him — either to contract expiry or to a rival — would have been a significant blow. On current evidence, that scenario looks firmly off the table.

The market had begun to take notice of the uncertainty around his future, but the clear direction of travel now points to Rice committing his long-term future to north London. A done deal, it seems, is only a matter of time.

Frequently asked

How long is Declan Rice's new Arsenal contract?
The specific length of the new deal has not yet been confirmed, but it is reported to be a long-term contract. Rice's current deal was due to expire at the end of next season.
How much will Declan Rice earn on his new Arsenal deal?
According to BBC Sport sources, Rice's new contract is expected to bring him in line with Arsenal's top earner Bukayo Saka, who is believed to earn around £350,000 per week — a significant rise on Rice's reported current salary of £240,000 a week.
When did Declan Rice join Arsenal?
Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United in July 2023 for a fee of £105 million, going on to make more than 150 starts for the club.