Mikel Arteta confirms Declan Rice in productive Arsenal contract talks: 'Matter of time'

Rice is close to signing a new long-term deal worth around £350,000-a-week, making him Arsenal's joint-highest earner alongside Saka.

Declan Rice is on the verge of signing a new long-term contract at Arsenal, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined from West Ham for £105 million in summer 2023, entered the final two years of his current deal and began contract talks earlier this year.

Arteta expressed confidence the extension will be completed soon, saying it is "a matter of time" before Rice signs. The new deal will significantly increase Rice's salary to around £350,000-a-week, bringing him close to Bukayo Saka as the club's best-paid player. Both Rice and Arsenal have shown confidence throughout negotiations that an agreement will be reached.

Rice has been a consistent performer for the Gunners, starting all eight Premier League matches this season despite managing a neural hamstring issue through much of last year's intense campaign.