Rice close to agreeing new Arsenal deal

Declan Rice is reportedly nearing a new long-term contract agreement with Arsenal, according to sources speaking to BBC Sport. The English midfielder joined the club from West Ham for a reported £105 million in July 2023 and has since become an essential player for the Gunners. Though his current deal expires at the end of the next season, advanced negotiations for a new contract have reportedly progressed significantly.

The 27-year-old has played 165 matches for Arsenal and was instrumental in the team's first Premier League title in 22 years last season.

Rice would likely see a substantial raise in his salary, potentially matching that of his teammate Bukayo Saka, who reportedly earns around £350,000 per week. Despite withdrawing from England's recent three-week training camp, Rice has amassed an impressive 80 caps since switching his international allegiance from Ireland to England in 2019.

Thomas Tuchel, the Arsenal manager, has consistently praised Rice as one of the "best midfielders in Europe." Rice is expected to feature in the team's upcoming match against Leeds in the English Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 BST. The news of a potential contract extension follows Arsenal's recent announcement of Mikel Arteta's new four-year deal with the club.