Declan Rice close to agreeing new Arsenal deal

Declan Rice is reportedly nearing a new long-term contract with Arsenal, according to sources speaking to BBC Sport. The England midfielder, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for £105 million in July 2023, has become a vital asset for the Gunners. His existing contract expires at the end of the current season, but BBC Sport reported in March that negotiations over a new deal were well underway.

The 27-year-old has made 165 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival, playing a key role in their recent success. This includes helping the club secure their first Premier League title in 22 years during the previous season. Rice's current reported weekly salary of £240,000 would represent a significant pay rise, putting him in the same bracket as Arsenal's top earner Bukayo Saka, who is believed to earn around £350,000 per week.

Although Rice did not feature in England's recent three-week international camp under manager Thomas Tuchel, he has accumulated 80 caps for the national team since switching his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019. Tuchel has previously praised Rice, describing him as one of the "best midfielders in Europe".

Arsenal are set to face Leeds United in the English Premier League on Saturday, with Rice expected to be part of the lineup for the match scheduled to kick off at 12:30 BST. The news of Rice's potential new contract comes shortly after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta signed a four-year extension with the Premier League champions on Wednesday.