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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is officially on the verge of putting pen to paper on a new contract with Mikel Arteta’s side.
The England superstar has been locked in talks with the Gunners hierarchy for several weeks and he is now close to extending his spell with the club, as first reported by FootballTransfers.
We understand that Arsenal used the September international break to finalise contract details with Rice’s camp, following his withdrawal from England duty, and BBC Sport have now confirmed that he is close to agreeing fresh terms with the reigning Premier League champions.
This has also been backed up by football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Arsenal are closing in on new deal for Declan Rice after Mikel Arteta, plan 100% confirmed.
“Rice has already decided to stay and sign soon with final details of new deal now being discussed. Arsenal confident to close it soon.”
Sources have informed FootballTransfers that Rice will receive a significant salary increase when his new deal is signed, while team-mate Ben White is also in line for a contract extension amid ongoing talks with the Gunners hierarchy.
Rice has racked up 165 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival from West Ham United for €116.6 million in 2023, and he played a pivotal role en route to the Premier League title last season, scoring four goals and providing seven assists in 36 matches.
Mikel Arteta new deal confirmed
News that Rice is close to finalising a contract extension with Arsenal comes after the club formally announced Mikel Arteta’s new four-year deal on Wednesday.
The Spaniard has been in talks with the club’s hierarchy for several months and after the contract was formalised, he told the Arsenal website: “It’s a privilege to commit my future to the club and to continue to work with exceptional people who want the best for Arsenal.
“This club is unique, its character and the way it makes you feel, and I have a great sense of privilege that our journey together will continue.
“We have already built a special bond and created memories that will last a lifetime, and what is so exciting is that this is only the beginning of what we can achieve together. I’m extremely grateful to Stan and Josh for their trust and support, and feel honoured to be leading this club through such a special period in its 140-year history.
“This is such a proud moment for me and my family. I feel the love and respect from our fantastic supporters, and they have mine – and ours – in return.”
Arsenal host Leeds United on Saturday in their game back after the international break, with Arteta’s side looking to bounce back following their 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in mid-September.
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