Arsenal 2026: Declan Rice close to new long-term deal

Declan Rice is on the verge of signing a lucrative new long-term contract with Arsenal, according to sources at BBC Sport. Discussions have progressed to an advanced stage after talks began in March, securing the midfielder's future despite his current deal running until the end of next season.

Since making his high-profile £105m switch from West Ham in July 2023, the 27-year-old has established himself as an indispensable figure for the Gunners. He has racked up 165 appearances and played a pivotal role in helping the club end their grueling 22-year wait for a Premier League title last term.

The improved terms will see Rice receive a substantial bump from his reported £240,000-per-week salary, placing him level with the club's top earner Bukayo Saka, who pockets roughly £350,000 a week.

Photo by Emerson Vieira / Unsplash

On the international front, although Rice recently withdrew from Thomas Tuchel's England squad ahead of a three-week training camp, he has accumulated 80 caps since switching his allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019. Tuchel has previously hailed him as one of the elite midfielders in Europe.