Overview
- Fabrizio Romano reported Tuesday that talks between Arsenal and Declan Rice are in their final stages, with salary terms described as almost agreed while club and player iron out remaining details.
- Multiple outlets say the proposed deal would raise Rice’s pay from about £240,000 a week to roughly £350,000 a week, which would place him among Arsenal’s highest earners alongside Bukayo Saka.
- This negotiation is a proactive renewal: Rice joined Arsenal in 2023 for a club-record £105 million and remains under contract through 2028 with an option for a further year.
- Arsenal view Rice as a core part of their project after he helped deliver the club’s league title and earned a Ballon d’Or shortlist place, so the club has prioritised securing his long-term future.
- If completed, the extension would lock down Arsenal’s title-winning midfield and reduce the chance of future bids from rivals, a strategic move that follows Mikel Arteta’s recent long-term contract with the club.