Arsenal: Mikel Arteta issues huge update on Declan Rice contract talks

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

Declan Rice is on the verge of signing a new contract extension at Arsenal, according to manager Mikel Arteta. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined the club for £105 million from West Ham in summer 2023, entered the final two years of his current deal. Contract talks began earlier this year and are now in their final stages, with Rice understood to be close to agreeing terms that will significantly increase his salary to around £350,000-a-week, bringing him level with Bukayo Saka as one of Arsenal's best-paid players.

Arteta expressed confidence the deal will be completed soon, saying it is "a matter of time" before an agreement is reached. The manager praised Rice's consistency and work ethic, noting his willingness to continue at the club for the long term. Rice has started all eight of Arsenal's Premier League matches this season and is expected to feature in Sunday's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.