Arsenal are close to sealing a fresh long-term pact with Declan Rice, boosting his weekly wages dramatically.
After a whirlwind season that ended with Arsenal lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years, the North London club is now turning its attention to securing the future of one of its most pivotal figures – England midfielder Declan Rice.
Having arrived from West Ham United in July 2023 for a reported £105 million fee, the 27-year-old has already chalked up 165 appearances in all competitions. His current deal is set to run out at the close of the 2025-26 campaign, but sources say negotiations have moved well beyond the exploratory stage and a new long-term agreement is within striking distance.
Negotiation progress and financial terms
According to insiders, the clubs’ representatives are now hammering out the final clauses of the contract. Rice’s present earnings are estimated at around £240,000 per week – a sum that already places him among Arsenal’s higher earners.
The forthcoming pact is expected to lift his weekly remuneration to roughly £350,000, effectively putting him on a parity line with fellow England international Bukayo Saka who is believed to command a similar wage.
For context, the wage structure at the Emirates is undergoing a noticeable shift. Manager Mikel Arteta recently secured a four-year extension worth about £20 million a season, making him the highest-paid coach in the league. The club’s willingness to match player salaries with that of the manager underscores a broader strategy to retain the core that delivered the title.
How the new salary stacks up against the Premier League elite
If the projected figures materialise, Rice would join a short list of Premier League players earning £350,000 a week. The only salaries that surpass this benchmark are Erling Haaland’s £500,000 weekly wage at Manchester City and Virgil van Dijk’s £400,000 at Liverpool. Marcus Rashford at Manchester United draws about £325,000, while Kai Havertz earns roughly £280,000.
The rise in Rice’s pay reflects Arsenal’s ambition to compete not just on the pitch but also in the financial arena. By aligning his earnings with Saka’s, the Gunners ensure that two of their most influential English players are among the highest-paid domestic talents in the division, a status previously denied to the club during years of more modest wage bills.
On-field importance and international pedigree
Beyond the numbers, Rice’s value to Arsenal is evident in his performances. Since his debut, he has been a mainstay in midfield, often completing full 90-minute spells and providing the balance that allowed Arsenal to dominate games en route to the title. Internationally, he has amassed 80 caps for England after switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland in 2019, and he has been praised by England manager Thomas Tuchel as one of the continent’s finest midfield operators.
Although Rice opted out of the recent three-week England training camp, his importance to both club and country remains unquestioned. The forthcoming contract, therefore, not only secures his services for the long term but also signals Arsenal’s intent to keep a player who is central to their tactical identity and future ambitions.
Implications for the squad and upcoming fixtures
The timing of the agreement is significant, with Arsenal scheduled to host Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday at 12:30 BST. A confirmed contract would provide both player and manager stability heading into a crucial phase of the season, where maintaining the momentum from last year’s triumph will be vital.
Arteta’s own contract renewal, announced just days earlier, demonstrates a synchronized approach to retaining key personnel. By addressing both the managerial and midfield pillars simultaneously, the club aims to cement a foundation that can sustain challenges on multiple fronts, including European competition.
