Arsenal Begin Contract Talks With £105m Star

Arsenal have opened negotiations with Declan Rice over a new long-term contract, as the club look to secure the England international’s future in north London.

The midfielder still has two years remaining on his current deal, with an additional 12-month option available to the club. However, according to BBC Sport, Arsenal are eager to tie down Rice’s prime years with an improved offer that would establish him as one of the club’s highest earners.

Rice currently earns a reported £240,000 per week following his £105m move from West Ham in 2023. The new deal would include a significant pay increase, though discussions remain at an early stage with no completion timeline set.

Following Saka’s Lead

The contract talks come on the heels of Bukayo Saka’s recent extension, which sees the winger earn a minimum of £300,000 per week over four-and-a-half years. Rice’s improved terms would likely see him move closer to that bracket, reflecting his importance to Mikel Arteta’s squad.

Since arriving from West Ham, the 27-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s premier midfielders. He has made 102 Premier League appearances for Arsenal while cementing his status as an England regular with 72 international caps.

Part of Broader Strategy

Rice’s contract discussions form part of Arsenal’s wider strategy to secure their key players long-term. The club have successfully tied down multiple stars over the past 12 months, including Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

Arsenal have also opened talks with Jurrien Timber over an improved deal, while David Raya and Leandro Trossard have received enhanced contracts in recent months, though without additional years added to their terms.

The timing of these negotiations comes as Arsenal sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, though Manchester City have a game in hand. The Gunners face Everton on Saturday while City travel to West Ham, as both clubs continue their pursuit of the title Arsenal last claimed in 2004.

Rice’s potential new contract would represent another statement of intent from Arsenal as they look to build a squad capable of sustained success. With the midfielder entering his peak years, securing his long-term commitment would be a significant boost to the club’s title ambitions.