Arsenal is moving closer to securing midfielder Declan Rice on a new long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium, with negotiations reaching an advanced stage to align his wages with the club’s top earners, according to reports.
Advanced Contract Negotiations at the Emirates Stadium
Arsenal is taking significant steps to tie down the England international to an extended agreement. Rice joined the club in the summer of 2023 from West Ham United for a reported transfer fee of 105 million pounds. Since his arrival, he has established himself as an indispensable presence in Mikel Arteta’s midfield engine room.
Having accumulated 165 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, during which he has scored 21 goals and provided 33 assists, Rice is now on the verge of committing his long-term future to the club. While his current contract runs until the end of next season, BBC Sport first reported in March that talks regarding an extension were underway. That dialogue has since progressed significantly as both parties approach a formal agreement.
Wage Parity with Bukayo Saka
The proposed new contract features a substantial financial package designed to elevate Rice into the highest salary tier at Arsenal. The midfielder currently earns approximately 240,000 pounds per week, but the revised terms will increase that figure to roughly 350,000 pounds weekly. This adjustment places him on equal footing with Bukayo Saka, who stands as the club’s highest-paid player.
By offering parity with Saka, Arsenal acknowledges Rice’s immense value to the squad’s tactical balance and dressing-room culture.
Building on Mikel Arteta’s Long-Term Vision
Rice has maintained his reliability at the start of the new campaign, logging seven appearances across all competitions. The influential midfielder has already contributed two assists in Premier League action.
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